Can't remove downstairs loo!

[TaupePanda]

I have just discovered that you can't just remove a downstairs loo without building regs approval.

I had never heard of this rule before and find it frankly bonkers. Surely building regs teams have better things to do that worry about whether how many loos people have in their house.

Has anyone removed one and then had an issue later down the line? We'll remove it no matter what - we don't want it or need it - but if we ever sell up, we want to reduce any issue.

For info, it is a new build, 10 years old, and the loo has always been there.

I think you will need to make it easily able to be put back.
So, if you replace the loo with a washing machine and tumbler, leave the plumbing in place.

If you are planning on making it open plan to the kitchen, things might be more tricky.

It's not bonkers - it's about trying to ensure that properties remain accessible so that people can remain in their homes. It's similar to the reasons that doorways have to be a minimum width, plug sockets and light switches at certain heights.

As long as you restore it when you look to sell it won't be an issue but having recently been overwhelmed by 3 family members experienceing accidents/injuries that caused mobility issues, a downstairs toilet proved to be very necessary so that might be worth thinking about ?

It's part of the Lifetime Homes Standard.

Some people need downstairs access to toilets. Makes perfect sense (and you never know when it might be you!) As long as you can put it back in if you sell there won’t be an issue as no one would know I suppose (you likely won’t be able to sell to someone who wants a mortgage if you don’t put it back, in my experience). You will need to let your mortgage company and house insurance company know too I would think in case they have a view that affects things.

Sounds like I can just remove it and leave the fixtures in place to put it back in, if it comes to that. We know we don't need it - we live in an identical house 3 doors up and have never once used the ground floor loo. It is totally inaccessible as we use it to store bikes and other stuff. Without as loo and sink we would be able to put up proper bike hangars and make it a more usable space for us. Thanks all