Building regs and planning

[SouthWestmom]

Is there a light touch type of way of asking questions? We are remodelling the downstairs. We added a non load bearing wall and door and the council over the phone told us we didn't need either for that.
We want to remove a non load bearing wall and make a kitchen diner.

Is there a way of getting a 'you don't need it' letter from them in case we move?

If your house is freehold, has no known covenants (do check) and is not a listed building then I cannot see why you cannot just get on with it. You should however fully consult the council, particularly the building regs people to ensure that your plans will not compromise any fire safety regs etc. You also must be 100 percent certain that the wall is not load bearing or you will have a disaster on your hands.
Personally, I'd get a trusted and experienced builder to take a look.

Tinkobell raised some good points there. Although we removed a load bearing wall and then building regs got involved, they then wanted us to enclose a stair case for fire safety as we have three floors in the house. So yes, involve BC in your discussions or perhaps a structural surveyor to confirm that your wall can indeed be removed safely.

Ok brilliant. Sounds like a surveyor then maybe to check with.

Is freehold, covenants for outside - can't have a wall just a fence - nothing inside and not listed.

If you go onto the government planning website / portal, there is an interactive house. You click on what it is you have in mind and the various planning consents will come up along with the forms for your local council. Google it.

Thanks Tinkobell that sounds like a really good start