What does structural alterations mean?

[GettingThemFromHereToThere]

Are there any solicitors here who can advise on what 'structural alterations' refers to?

Would moving a non-load bearing wall count as making a structural alterations?

What would happen if you disagreed on what determines a structural alterations? What would a court use to determine if it's structural?

Thanks!

Anything that changes the structure, moving walls, windows, doors, extensions, any work that results in a change to the structure, anything more than cosmetic work.

@twomanyfrogsinabox would you consider moving a door from one internal non-load bearing wall to another as structural, when no supporting beam etc is required?

Does adding solar panels count as a structural alterations?

I would as you're changing the foot print of the building. Not sure re solar panels, personally I'd think of them as an addition to the roof not a structural change. You could speak to your local council building regs department for clarification.

I assume this is in relation to seeking permission, possibly from freeholder or mortgage provider?

On the Southampton council website:

"Structural alterations
These would include major underpinning, total replacement of floors, including new joists, damp proof membrane, total replacement of ceilings or roof including new joists/timbers, total re-plastering (back to brickwork) of the entire walls of the majority of the property."

On the gov uk website:

This relates to help to buy homes specifically.

What's the context @GettingThemFromHereToThere ? Why do you need to know?

Can I ask if you're a solicitor? If so, can I message you about this? I don't want this to be too outing!