Carson Road, Barnet, London.

 

Full Plans Building Regulations Application approved.Two Storey Front Extension And Garage Conversion, Ground Floor Single Storey Flat Roof Rear Extension, Creation of First Floor Ensuite, Modifications to First Floor Bathroom and First Floor Layout Alterations.

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Following an initial planning approval for both front and rear extensions, En-Plan: Planning & Architetcure were instructed to provide detailed building plans for a Building Regulations Application which was submitted to Barnet Council Building Control and were subnsequently approved.

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Asa part of the project En-Plan worked with our partners at Calcs Online to provide the structural design and calculations for proposed works, which were subsequently approved. In the UK, several professionals can provide structural calculations for construction projects. Here are some of the key professionals you may consider:

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1. Structural Engineers: Structural engineers specialize in the design and analysis of structures to ensure they can withstand loads and stresses. They are highly trained in assessing the structural integrity of buildings and can provide detailed calculations and drawings for various construction projects.

2. Civil Engineering Firms: Many civil engineering firms in the UK offer structural engineering services as part of their portfolio. These firms typically employ structural engineers who can provide calculations for a wide range of projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

3. Architects: While architects primarily focus on the design and aesthetics of buildings, many also work closely with structural engineers to ensure the structural integrity of their designs. Some architectural firms may have in-house structural engineering expertise, or they may collaborate with external structural engineers.

4. Building Contractors: Larger building contractors may employ or work closely with structural engineers to provide calculations and structural design services for their projects. These professionals can ensure that construction meets building regulations and standards.

5. Independent Consulting Engineers: There are also independent consulting engineers who specialize in structural engineering services. These professionals can be hired directly by clients to provide structural calculations and design solutions for their construction projects.

 

When seeking structural calculations in the UK, it's essential to ensure that the professionals you engage with are chartered or accredited by relevant institutions such as the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) or the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). These accreditations indicate that the engineers have met the necessary standards of education, training, and professional competence in structural engineering.

Building Control also asked for a plans to indicate the location and species of any trees within 30m of the proposed extension so the foundation could be factored into the foundation design. When building a house near trees, particularly large or mature ones, it's important to consider the impact of the trees on the foundation. Here are some key considerations:

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1. Root Systems: Tree roots can extend far beyond the canopy of the tree and may potentially affect the stability of the soil surrounding the foundation. Large roots can even disrupt concrete foundations over time.

2. Soil Moisture: Trees absorb water from the soil, which can lead to soil shrinkage and expansion as moisture levels fluctuate. This movement can cause foundation settling or heaving.

3. Tree Health: Diseased or dying trees may have weakened root systems, making them more susceptible to falling during storms or heavy winds, which could damage the house or foundation.

4. Species of Trees: Some tree species have more aggressive root systems than others. For example, species like willows, poplars, and oaks tend to have extensive root systems that can extend quite far.

5. Foundation Design: Proper foundation design can help mitigate the risks associated with trees. Deep foundations, such as pilings or piers, can bypass shallow root systems and provide stable support for the structure.

6. Distance: The distance between trees and the house should be considered. Generally, the farther away trees are from the foundation, the lower the risk of root interference.

7. Tree Removal vs. Preservation: Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to remove trees that pose a significant risk to the foundation. However, in many cases, it's possible to preserve trees by implementing appropriate foundation design and maintenance practices.

8. Professional Consultation: Consulting with a qualified arborist and structural engineer before construction can help assess the risks and determine the best course of action for building near trees.

 

Overall, careful planning, appropriate foundation design, and ongoing maintenance are essential when building a house near trees to ensure the long-term stability and integrity of the structure.

Part-H of the Building Regulations deals with drainage and waste Disposal and as part of the drianage strategy for the deevlopment En-Plna exploered the possibility of using a soakaway to dispose of storm water. A soakaway, also known as a soak pit or infiltration trench, is a commonly used method for managing stormwater runoff by allowing water to infiltrate into the ground. However, there are situations where a soakaway may not be suitable or permissible:

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1. High Water Table: If the water table in the area is too high, a soakaway may not effectively drain stormwater because there is insufficient permeable soil or rock layer below to absorb the water. In such cases, the water may not infiltrate into the ground quickly enough, leading to waterlogging or flooding issues.

2. Poor Soil Permeability: Some soil types, such as clay or compacted soils, have low permeability and may not allow water to infiltrate effectively. In such cases, a soakaway may not be able to drain water sufficiently, and alternative drainage solutions may be necessary. This was the case in thsi instance and as such all stormwatre had to be directed to the main sewer.

3. Contamination Risk: If there is a risk of contaminating groundwater or nearby water bodies, such as from pollutants or chemicals present in the stormwater runoff, using a soakaway may not be advisable. In such cases, other forms of stormwater management, such as filtration or treatment systems, may be more appropriate.

4. Limited Space: In urban areas with limited space or where there are underground utilities, buildings, or other infrastructure, installing a soakaway may not be feasible due to space constraints or the risk of interfering with existing structures.

5. High-Risk Areas: In areas prone to flooding or where there is a risk of soil erosion, using a soakaway may not be suitable as it could exacerbate flooding or erosion problems. In such cases, alternative stormwater management measures, such as retention ponds or green roofs, may be more appropriate.

6. Local Regulations: Local regulations and building codes may restrict or prohibit the use of soakaways in certain situations, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas or areas with specific drainage requirements. It's essential to check with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before installing a soakaway.

 

In summary, while soakaways can be effective for managing stormwater in many situations, there are circumstances where they may not be suitable or permitted. It's important to assess site conditions, soil characteristics, and regulatory requirements to determine the most appropriate stormwater management solution for a particular location.

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These project was duly completed in partnership with Barnet Building control and En-Plan are pleased to showcase the completed development in the above gallery.

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If you would like to find out more about Building Regulations or how our Planning Consultancy and Architectural Design Services can work in perfect sync to achieve a successful outcome in the planning system please contact us and we will be only too happy to talk through any questions or development proposals you may have.

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