Permission to alter council leasehold architect needed

[Hysterectomynext]

Hi I have a council flat I bought And I need to request for alterations.
I’ve read through the application and I see that I will need to hire an architect so that the plans can be drawn up and presented with my application.

does anyone have any advice for how I find an architect to do this?
i have spoken to one and he is saying I need to employ a building safety specialist as well as architect because the property is in a tower block. But the alterations are not major. Nothing that would be a problem that I can see.
nothing structural and nothing affecting outside or neighbours.

does anyone have any experience of making these applications? I thought I’d be able to do it myself but I see they want architect drawings and a complete list of works. Plus named builders and their insurers. But im not close to hiring builders or being able to give times of works etc because I need the permission granted first.

I’m trying to do everything correctly and it’s all costing me so much money.

I’d be grateful for any advice

Are you wanting to change walks? Tower blocks are like complex houses of cards change one card and it can affect the structural integrity of the whole building.

If you explain what you are trying to achieve, someone may be able to offer some advice.

No it’s nothing structural.

The configuration will be slightly changed to add a shower and a toilet.
there will need to be a fire door added because the kitchen will be open plan.

im asking whether anyone has employed an architect in order to apply to the council for permission to alter.

You might think that you’re a way away from engaging builders but as soon as you receive planning permission it’s really one of the first things you need to begin looking for: most builders and trades have long lead times, and many will refuse to work on council buildings and particularly tower blocks - so identifying a shortlist of those who will and whether they have any availability before your PP runs out is necessary anyway. The council wants to know who you’ll use so they can ensure they’re a competent person and registered. You can notify the council of an amendment to the company you’ll use at a later stage, it isn’t absolutely fixed in stone once you submit the application.

Changing the usage of a room will almost always be counted as major works - so if you’re opening up the kitchen and living room to open plan, adding an extra bathroom, or reconfiguring the layout to move rooms around, you’ll require architect’s plans. Any local architect should be able to provide plans for this sort of thing.

When I altered my ex-council flat I was also required to provide a surveyor’s report to support the application due to a (by that point defunct) communal heating and venting system and the likelihood of asbestos in the building. If you’re in an older council block I’d expect to have to do likewise, and would imagine that’s why the architect you spoke to is saying you’ll require a building safety specialist’s report. You might not think what you’re proposing is major or structural or will impact other tenants but as a layperson who has no idea what the structure of the building and any internal interconnected service ducts or void spaces which run between flats might be, you simply can’t be sure of this.

You don’t need an architect. Find someone that can do scaled plans - an architectural technician or similar. A qualified architect will charge you a large fee and it doesn’t sound warranted.

This is the issue. I know the building very well. I’ve lived there 35 years. I have stripped it so no hidden voids etc

I know what you’re saying and there are lots of good points here.
I met a builder who will take on the job after permissions are granted. I just don’t feel I’m at a stage to put him forward to the council but I will take your advice with this.
There are no rooms with change of use. Except possibly that plumbing will run to the store room which will have a washing machine. So store cupboard becomes utility room.

everything will be to highest safety spec. So very much an improvement on the current set up.

but i think you are correct in why the architect is saying buildings safety worker. It’s just a lot of expense that the project doesn’t really justify. Nothing I’m doing is regarded as major works. I’ve checked this thoroughly

The additional requirements are due to building safety regulator, part of their remit is to better regulate higher risk buildings and have a set of rules to protect the design and construction of such buildings.

Buildings like this are often very complex, so while extending electrics or plumbing is not tricky, doing so in such a building could be. Your council should have a leasehold team who will be able to provide support.

But from the council’s perspective, they have hundreds of other people in your building to whom they owe a health and safety duty. They can’t rely on “the leaseholder of flat 34 has lived here for half her life and assured us she knows the building well” to cover their asses if it turns out you don’t know the building as well as you thought and take out something structural. It might seem unjustified expense from your perspective but at worst, not going through the full process is a potential corporate manslaughter case for the council.

Thank you

No I do understand you and you’re completely right

It feels painful right now, and I remember feeling the same way at the time - especially as I’m reasonably sure a couple of council tenants had just altered their homes without getting permission or submitting any plans. But if it will make your home work better for you, it’s just a grit your teeth process. Agree with the previous poster who recommending technical plans from an architectural technician rather than anything bespoke and artistic. What you’re describing is bread and butter work and needn’t cost a fortune. The stickiest aspect may be the plumbing and sewerage if you’re moving things around: old high rises can have odd systems, my plumber at the time commented that it was a bit of a maze.

Thank you so much. This is exactly how I feel and the reason I haven’t got any work done. It’s the fear of applying. In know lots of other people have done similar work- that’s where I got the idea- but getting the permission is important.
i really appreciate your helpful words. It’s exactly what i need to keep going