Solar Panels...

Planning Permission

In many cases fixing solar panels to your roof is likely to be considered 'permitted development' under planning law with no need to apply for planning permission. There are, however, important exceptions and provisos which must be observed.

If you are a leaseholder, you may need to get permission from your landlord, freeholder or management company.

All solar installations are subject to the following conditions:

· Panels on a building should be sited, so far as is practicable, to minimise the effect on the appearance of the building.

· They should be sited, so far as is practicable, to minimise the effect on the amenity of the area.

· When no longer needed for microgeneration they should be removed as soon as possible.

Roof and Wall Mounted Solar Panels

The following limits apply to roof and wall mounted solar panels:

1. Panels should not be installed above the ridgeline and should project no more than 200mm from the roof or wall surface.
2. If your property is a listed building installation is likely to require an application for listed building consent, even where planning permission is not needed.

Wall mounted only

if your property is in a conservation area, or in a World Heritage Site, planning consent is required when panels are to be fitted on the principal or side elevation walls and they are visible from the highway. If panels are to be fitted to a building in your garden or grounds they should not be visible from the highway.

Standalone Solar Panels

The following limits apply to standalone solar panels:

· Should be no higher than four metres

· Should be at least 5m from boundaries

· Size of array is limited to 9 sq m or 3m wide and 3m deep

· Should not be installed within boundary of a listed building

· In the case of land in a conservation area or in a World Heritage Site it should not be visible from the highway.

· Only one stand alone solar installation is permitted.

Building Regulations

If you wish to install a solar panel on your roof building regulations will normally apply.

The ability of the existing roof to carry the load (weight) of the panel will need to be checked and proven. Some strengthening work may be needed.

Building regulations also apply to other aspects of the work such as electrical installation. It is advisable to contact an installer who can provide the necessary advice.

Stable Design...

Living in a rural community, aspects of country living impacts on elements of the built environment from livestock barns on working farms to stables and whether it be commercial or non commercial, animal welfare is very, very important.

Below is a guide to stable design and although a little long, if you are considering building one, it’s worth reading.

PLANNING ADVICE AND CONTROLS

Every local authority will have its own Local Plan with policies relating to horse keeping. Some local planning authorities produce Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) relating specifically to horse keeping, and the Horse Pasture Project is producing Simple Planning Guidance for horse keepers. Planning permission is necessary to change the use of land for exercising, training and jumping horses. Permission is usually required for stables, horse-related development, and some fencing. In specific areas where the countryside is especially sensitive to damage, other relatively minor development may be controlled.

Some councils may ask you to submit a formal application for a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Use or Development to determine if your proposal requires planning permission.

It is not only the landowner who can apply for planning permission. A tenant or horse owner or keeper can apply for permission on a piece of land, but they must get the owner’s permission before they start building of course.

WELFARE

The welfare of horses and ponies must be the primary consideration. The Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines set out minimum requirements for housing horses and ponies. The size (and type) of stabling will be dependent on the size, type and requirement of the horses and ponies to be stabled. Perhaps it is better to consider the future when building new stables, and allow for the 12.2hh pony’s stable to be large enough to accommodate the 15.2hh horse that a child might grow into! Equally, rather than expecting a broodmare to foal in a standard 3.7m x 3.7m (12’ x 12’) stable, if you have allowed for a foaling box, it can perhaps be used as a hay store in the eleven months leading up to foaling. Your local BHS welfare officer is available for guidance.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

As well as basic welfare considerations, safety must be taken into account when designing buildings for horses and ponies. Electrical fittings must be positioned so that horses and ponies cannot reach them, sockets must be to an appropriate external standard and light fittings should be caged for safety. Fire precautions must be followed, with fire fighting equipment in a readily accessible position. An area of fenced hardstanding outside of the stables is generally included in the design. This serves many useful purposes, including that of enclosing the horse or pony if he escapes in the night.

SITING AND LANDSCAPING

New buildings must be as inconspicuous as is possible to minimise the impact they may have on the landscape. Careful siting can reduce the impact. Ideally, new development should link in with any existing buildings to make it as unobtrusive as possible. Using natural folds in the landscape, or surrounding shelterbelts or copses of trees can render new buildings inconspicuous. Design of new development should always avoid siting buildings in an elevated position on the open skyline where they will appear to be most prominent. Local Planning Authorities normally seek to limit the amount of stables to what is appropriate in size and scale to the fields concerned.

Whilst earth 'bunds' may be a useful way of dealing with any arisings from excavations of soil from the base of buildings, they can cause a very artificial landscape to be created. A great deal of care should be given to their use. As with all new planting in the countryside, any hedges or trees planted to screen buildings must be suitable and ideally of native species. Species which grow naturally in your local area will generally grow more quickly and happily than non-natives.

CONSTRUCTION

Size

Basic guidelines for the size of a stable is that it should be large enough for a horse or pony to stand up with at least 0.9m (3') clearance above it's head, and with sufficient space to lie down, stand up and turn around without difficulty. A rule of thumb recommended by the BHS is that a pony would need a 3m x 3.7 m (10' x x12') floor area, and a horse 3.7m x 3.7m (12' x 12'). The height should be between 2.7m and 3.4m (9' & 11'), with stable doors a minimum 1.2m (4') wide, and 2.3m (7'6") high, with the bottom door being 1.2m (4') high.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential, and must be achieved without placing the horse or pony in a draughty environment. High-pitched ceilings improve ventilation by allowing a greater volume of air to circulate, diluting any ammonia resulting from urine. High-level vents, preferably at the ridge, are essential to allow continuous air movement around the stable. A window in the back as well as the front is a plus point, as the free flow of air will further improve ventilation, and your horse will appreciate the extra view.

Colour

The most artificial colour seen in the landscape is white. Not even sheep are white, and a horse is never described as white. In fact the only white you will see in the natural landscape is rubbish - namely plastic bags! The colours that generally blend into the landscape are dark colours. Brown and even black is unobtrusive for most of the year, except when at the top of a hill and seen against the skyline. Look around and notice how the natural landscape features are not green, but dark brown or black. Look at buildings in the countryside and think of how they blend with their surroundings.

By using dark colours on your stables and buildings, you can make them less intrusive in the landscape. Timber buildings can be treated with a dark wood stain, and concrete block buildings can be painted a dark colour. Roofs should be either a very dark brown or black.

Materials

Materials can have an important effect on landscape character areas, and it is important to look around and appreciate what buildings blend in with the landscape and give a sense of local distinctiveness. Historically, 'tarred' weather boarding is by far the most common cladding, or covering, for timber framed buildings, whilst the orangey browns of locally made bricks may be an appropriate material in areas of the county where barns and stables were historically built from locally produced bricks.

Walls

Whilst the walls of stabling must be able to withstand any damage from horses and ponies, they must also ensure that horses and ponies cannot damage themselves, especially if they were to get stuck, or 'cast' in the corner. The stable should have no sharp edges that the horse could catch itself on and allow the horse plenty of room to move around in as well as lie down. The use of kick boards around the wall are an excellent choice as they not only provide a smooth safe surface but they can be placed at the height you want and are easy to clean. Traditionally, timber 'kick-boards' are used on the lower half of stable walls, to a height of 1.2m (4'), particularly if the walls are constructed of brick or block as they are less likely to injure the animal.

Floor

The floor should be of a hard wearing, waterproof and non-slip material. Concrete is generally used, and must be carefully laid in order that it is non-slip and that it has sufficient 'fall' across it so that it drains to a suitable gully and soakaway. Rubber matting is an excellent choice for stable floors as it can also be used as either a base for the stable bed, the bed itself or for use in walkways to create a warmer and more comfortable surface.

Roof

Whilst the first consideration must be to keep the stabling dry, the importance of good ventilation cannot be over emphasised. Ridge vents not only help improve ventilation but also prevent any condensation forming. Various roofing materials can be used, from roof tiles or slate, which are extremely expensive, but probably the most visually attractive, to corrugated sheets of metal, which whilst cheap can cause problems of condensation and are extremely noisy when it rains! An excellent roof type is roofing felt, which should be of a sympathetic colour. If possible choose a roofing product that offers extra light to be let in and that is weather resistant.

Accessibility
The doorways must be easily accessible and be wide enough for the horse to easily fit through.
Access from the stable to the rest of the yard is also important when it comes to access to the feed room, hay barn, muck heap and the tack room for example.

SERVICES

Most stables will need a variety of services:

Drainage
Within each stable there must be adequate drainage available. Each stable can have a gentle slope that leads outside to a communal drain, the gully of which can then be easily disinfected, or each stable can have a drain within the stable which then leads to the main drain, therefore allowing the waste to go directly into the mains drain from each individual stable, which is a great option for preventing contamination from one stable going all along the yard, this is especially important if you ever have to disinfect a isolation box for example.

Water

This is arguably the most important requirement of your horse or pony. A clean supply of fresh water must be supplied at all times. The supply should conform to the Water Fittings Regulations 1999 (see Water Regulations Advice Note). The outline of these regulations are common sense, such as expecting water supplies to be protected from freezing, preventing water from being sucked back into the main supply from a dirty trough or bucket and ensuring that a stop-valve is fitted to the supply. The water supply to stables should be in a convenient position, but placed out of the reach of horses and ponies.

Electricity and Lighting

Whilst it is not vital to have mains electricity, it is useful and lighting may be essential if a vet is called in the night. Batteries can supply sufficient power for simple stable lighting, but recharging these can be inconvenient. Alternative sources of energy (such as solar panels) are suitable for some stables and should be investigated. Any electrical supply must be out of reach of horses and ponies. When considering lighting the outside of stables, think about the impact of such lighting on the surrounding landscape, and think about the modern problem of 'light pollution', whereby it is often difficult to see the beautiful night sky because of intrusive local lighting. The use of external lighting should be considered particularly carefully in the country, with lights operated by PIR's.

Roadways

An access track or roadway is often essential to get to and from the stables from a public highway. But consider the suitability and impact of the surface material in relation to the setting of the yard. New access tracks and roads will require planning permission. A well thought out design might allow for the roadway to be screened from view by hedges of mixed native plant species.

Manure

Management of the muckheap is an important issue for horses and ponies, their owners and keepers and their neighbours! (see Manure storage and disposal advice note). The muckheap must be sited where it will not contaminate watercourses such as rivers, streams and ditches, as well as groundwater. It must not be sited where it will cause a nuisance, such as to houses and users of public rights of way. And it must be sited where it can be conveniently accessed from both the stables and the road if it is to be collected for disposal. It should not be too close to the stables as to cause a nuisance to horses and ponies from flies. Ideally the muck heap should have a solid base and sides to enclose it.

FIXTURES AND FITTINGS

There are many useful fittings that will enhance the practical use of your stable such as tie rings, hay rack, water drinkers, feed mangers and window vents, stable window panel.

• Tie Rings can be used for both tying up your horse to and also tying up hay nets. Ensure that they are fixed at an appropriate height.
• Hay Racks can be positioned either in a corner or along the wall for hay to be easily placed into. Ensure that they are fixed at an appropriate height for the horse to suitably and safely use them.
• Water Drinkers can be a great asset especially in mare and foal boxes where water buckets on the floor are not advisable.
• Feed mangers are useful for easily distributing feeds and they can be positioned for ease of use. Feed mangers that can be removed allow for easy daily cleaning.
• Window Vents are a great asset as they can be opened or closed depending on the weather, wooden stables often benefit from these especially in the summer when some stables needs increased air flow.
• Stable window panel are small panels that can be left open to allow the horse in the next stable to see through the panel thereby offering more sociable stable or left closed to offer privacy.

POSITIONING AND LAYOUT

Careful positioning of your yard is essential, with thought being taken into account of access not only for horses but also for deliveries such as hay, straw, shavings and feed and also access for veterinarians, clients and farriers.

The yard layout that you choose must be workmanlike and safe and offer easy accessibility to all who will need to use it.

• The Tack room needs to be within close proximity to the stables but also have secure location to help guard against thieves.
• The Feed Room needs to be within close proximity to the stables and also have access to it for deliveries of horse feeds.
• The Muck Heap also needs to be close to the stables but not too close that it would pose a fire hazard. The muck heap also needs to be able to be removed by tractor or any other means if necessary.
• The hay barn should have easy access for deliveries and be close enough to the stable yard to be practical but without causing fire hazard issues.
• The shoeing box or area must allow the farrier the ability to easily park outside it.
• The veterinary box should allow the vet to easily pull up outside it and be close enough to the stable yard to be of practical value.
• Lorry Park will need a safe area for loading and unloading and easy access off the yard.
• Isolation Box should be slightly away from the other stables.

For further information please visit https://www.bhs.org.uk/

Pre Completion Testing...

What Is Pre-Completion Testing?

Pre-completion testing is a Part E requirement of the Building Regulations that apply for new flats, houses, flat conversions and change of use into flats. Part E puts the onus on the owner / builder to demonstrate the stated acoustic rating has been achieved and complies with the current Building Regulations for noise control through separating floors and walls.

The requirement is that at least 10% of all new dwellings should be Pre-completion tested on-site. Sound testing applies to separating elements between dwellings only and not required between living spaces within dwellings, nor for corridors, stairwells or hallways. Pre-completion sound testing has to be carried out by a test body with an appropriate third party accreditation.

Your local Building Control will specify the dwelling units and different forms of construction to be tested and it is important that you are involved with them at an early stage to ensure the test process is properly carried out.

Copy of the test results in an approved format has to be passed by the local building control office before a completion certificate can be issued and the job signed off.

Any failure in achieving these standards will require remedial works to be carried out to achieve compliance with the Building Regulations. It will be necessary to re-test the works to check that the remedial works have been successful. Without a Pre-completion test result that complies with Part E Building Control will not sign off the property as completed and this could prove a problem if the property is to be sold.

Grouping

New dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes should be considered as three separate groups for the purpose of testing. Different construction types within any of these groups should be recorded as a subgroup.

Dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes formed by material change of use should be grouped using the same principles. More sub-groups may be required due to the greater diversity of construction.

Testing.

• Dwelling-houses

Normally, one set of tests should comprise two individual airborne sound insulation tests. Where possible a separating wall between bedrooms of adjoined houses and a separating wall between adjoined living rooms should be tested.

• Flats

Normally, one set of tests should comprise six individual insulation tests for airborne and impact sound. Where possible a separating wall between bedrooms, a separating wall between living rooms, a separating floor between bedrooms and a separating floor between living rooms.

Rooms for residential purposes should have their separating walls and floors tested.

All dissimilar properties should be tested, and on large sites at least one in ten for properties that are similar or the same.

Remedial treatment will be required to separating walls and floors that fail a test, and they will need to be re-tested. A failure will mean that all similar constructions will need to be evaluated.

Pre-Completion testing explained

Part E states that 10% of all units constructed on site must be pre-completion sound tested (PCT) on site. The separating walls and floors within each unit must be tested to show compliance. A test body with appropriate third party accreditation (ANC, UKAS) to ensure that the required acoustic ratings have been achieved must carry out relevant tests. These tests must then be submitted to Building Control who will check to make sure that the performance requirements have been met.

The separating walls between flats and the communal areas do not require a sound test. These walls must however comply with the sound insulation requirements within Document E. The developer / contractor will need to make sure that the wall construction between these areas has an adequate performance to achieve the required standards.

PCT can be used on all types of building, both new build and refurbishment / materials change of use, which contain rooms for residential purposes.

There is a standard acoustic test that is carried out on residential properties which measures the performance of both airborne and impact sound levels.

There are two parts to the test:

1. Airborne

The loudspeaker in the Source Room emits a loud noise, over a range of frequencies, which is known as pink noise.

The microphone in the Source and Receiving Room measures the sound pressure level. Using specialist equipment, the acoustician can then calculate the airborne sound insulation (DnT,w + Ctr).

What is being measured is the difference in sound level between the Source Room and the Receiving Room, so the greater the value the better the acoustic performance.

2. Impact

In the Source Room a tapping machine impacts repeatedly directly onto the floor structure.

A microphone in the Receiving Room measures the sound pressure level and the recorded level produces the Impact result (L’nT,w). The lower this figure is, the better the acoustic performance.

Stove Ventilation

The regulations covering ventilation for stoves as of 1st Oct 2010.

Approved Document J Section 1.5: Appliance compartments that enclose open-flued combustion appliances should be provided with vents large enough to admit all of the air required by the appliance for combustion and proper flue operation, whether the compartment draws its air from a room or directly from outside.

Approved Document J Section 1.16: Discomfort from cold draughts can be avoided by supplying air directly to appliances, locating vents close to appliances (for example by using floor vents), by drawing air from intermediate spaces such as hallways or by ensuring good mixing of incoming cold air by placing external air vents close to ceilings. In noisy areas it may be necessary to install noise-attenuated ventilators to limit the entry of noise into the building. Transfer or connecting ventilation should be at low level to reduce the transfer of smoke in the event of a fire and otherwise meet the guidance given in Approved Document B.

Stoves intended for a family living space such as family/dining/kitchens or in a room that has no door in an opening between this area and the kitchen (viewed by Building Regulations as one space), the provision of mechanical extract ventilation over the hob will depend largely on the model of the log burner as the mechanical extract and natural ventilation required to the log burner may cancel each other out. Please let your designer know the make and model of the chosen burner.

Mechanical extract for the kitchen end may be replaced by passive stack ventilation. PSV is a ventilation system using ducts from terminals in the ceiling to terminals on the roof that extract air to outside by a combination of the natural stack effect and the pressure effects of wind passing over the roof. Attention should be paid to Approved Document F, Table 5.2b.

Stoves need a supply of air for combustion, and to evacuate the flue gases otherwise they will not work. Without an air supply the stove will not light and smoke is likely to pour out into the house. The smoke will not be able to be drawn up the chimney as this requires air movement up through the chimney which is not possible if there is no source of air.

Ventilation rates to the stove are now based on the air permeability of the house as well as the rated output of the stove.

Approved Document J, Section 2 Table 1:

Other appliance, such as a stove, cooker or boiler, with a flue draught stabiliser.

Permanently open vents as below:

If design air permeability >5.0m3/(h.m2) then 300mm2/kW for first 5kW of appliance rated output 850mm2/kW for balance of appliance rated output If design air permeability≤5.0m3/(h.m2) then 850mm2/kW of appliance rated output.

Other appliance, such as a stove, cooker or boiler, with no flue draught stabiliser.

Permanently open vents as below:

If design air permeability >5.0m3/(h.m2) then 550mm2/kW of appliance rated output above 5kW

If design air permeability ≤5.0m3/(h.m2) then 550mm2 per kW of appliance rated output.

It is unlikely that a dwelling constructed prior to 2008 will have an air permeability of less than 5.0m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa unless extensive measures have been taken to improve air-tightness.

The ventilation air for a stove may be drawn directly through an external air duct if the stove has a spigot for connecting the air duct. An increasing number of stoves (for example many Westfire and Morso stoves) have provision for an external air supply to be connected to the stove.

The vent should be placed in such a way that it cannot be easily blocked and so that you are not tempted to block it off to reduce draughts or noise.

If there is a mesh to guard against pest/mice etc coming through the vent then the mesh size must be no less than 5mm.

Eastern Promise...

The build at Eastern Concrete in Stowmarket progresses. The curtain walling has been up a little while now but most recently the internal partitioning has been installed. Great finish, quality product.

Many thanks to Andrew Gardiner of Gardiner Design Associates for supplying the images.

Office Refurbishment....

An office refurbishment in the heart of London is now one week from hand over to client. R Taylor Design Associates have prepared design and construction drawings.

The Levytator

Building work progress...

Building work is progressing nicely in Stowmarket with the construction of the new administrative, supply and service headquarters for Eastern Concrete.

More on latest B. Regs 2010 Changes...

Building Regulations latest changes...

The 2010 versions of Part L, F & J have now been published, along with the transitional provisions to be applied at their introduction on the 1^st October 2010.

Part F: Ventilation.

Part J: Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems.

Part L1A: Conservation of fuel and power New dwellings.

Part L1B: Conservation of fuel and power Existing dwellings.

Part L2A: Conservation of fuel and power New buildings other than dwellings.

Part L2B: Conservation of fuel and power Existing buildings other than dwellings.

As expected there are new requirements for:

• Testing of mechanical air flow rates in dwellings
• Commissioning of mechanical ventilation systems
• Information relating to mechanical ventilation systems to be supplied to the building owner
• TER / DER calculations and specifications to be submitted to the building control body before work starts on site
• Carbon monoxide alarms where combustion appliances are installed

A more detailed review of the main changes and implications for designers and builders will be published by NHBC shortly.

The 2010 amendments do not apply to:

• Sites where work has already started, prior to the 1^st October 2010, or
• Sites where an Initial Notice has been issued, prior to the 1^st October 2010, providing work starts on site before the 1^st October 2011.

The published transitional arrangements mean you will not need to obtain a Plans Certificate for a scheme prior to the 1^st October 2010, just ensure an Initial Notice is served.

SAP Calcs...

Why do you need a SAP Calculation?

With Governmental and Public focus on C02 emissions, Designers and Developers need to consider the impact that their designs are having on the environment like never before. Part L1a of the Building Regulations requires that SAP calculations are carried out on all new build developments to prove that they are not contributing excessively to carbon emissions. Each dwelling must demonstrate that it meets the Target Emission Rate as stipulated within the SAP calculation.

There are 2 stages for the SAP Calculations. The Design Stage is completed and submitted at the same time as your building control application to your Building Control Body or Approved Inspector. If there are changes to the specification after the Design SAP has been completed then the Building Control Officer or Approved Inspector may request that an amended Design SAP is submitted.

The As-Built Stage is calculated when the premises is complete. From the calculation a 'pass' Certificate will be produced for submission to the Building Control Officer or Approved Inspector.

Approved Document Part L1A

Part L1A is to do with Conservation of Fuel and Power in new dwellings and is just one part of the Building Regulations in England and Wales. Since the government announced that it intends to reduce the UK's carbon emissions by 60% by the year 2050 there has been a concerted effort to look at ways of reducing emissions from within the built environment. 50% of the UK's carbon emissions can be attributed to the built environment so it stands to reason that the biggest cut backs can be made in this area. Part L1a contains the legislation that aims to make this happen.

There are five criteria which must be met to achieve compliance. One of these criteria is that the Dwelling Emission Rate should be equal to or less than the Target Emission Rate. This is achieved using the government approved calculation methodology, which in this case is the SAP calculation. Other factors that are covered by Part L1a include air permeability rates, restricting U values and limiting solar gains in summer.

EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

The Energy Performance Certificate is now a mandatory requirement for all new homes completed after 6th April 2008. The certificate sets out the dwellings sap & energy efficiency ratings and also has a list of recommended upgrades in order of cost effectiveness. The certificate is required for the sale of the property.

Building regulations – Full Plans or Building Notice...

You can make a building regulation application in two ways – full plans or building notice. Listed below are the main differences between the two.

Full plans

• You can use it for all types of building work.

• You need to send two copies of plans and application forms (four copies for designated buildings).

• You will pay charges when you send the application to the local authority the plans and again after the first site inspection.

• The decision can take up to five weeks (two months if agreed).

• As long as you follow the approved plans, the work will normally meet building standards when it is inspected.

• You can send the local authority amended plans as long as the scheme is generally the same.

• Approval notice ends three years after the work has been approved.

Building notice

• It is best suited for small uncomplicated work.

• It cannot be used for designated buildings or buildings within three metres of a public sewer.

• You only need to send to the local authority a block plan showing the proposals in relation to existing buildings, boundaries and nearby streets, and details of any drainage. If it is an extension (including a room in the roof), you must provide details of its floor area together with two copies of the building notice application forms. (Remember, you should send the local authority as much information as possible.)

• No decision notice is issued.

• You will pay one charge when you forward the Building Notice to the local authority.

• There is more emphasis on site work and your builder – this might mean that work will need to be removed or altered if it does not meet certain standards.

• The notice ends three years after being accepted.

• It may not be accepted by some lending organisations.

Designated buildings are offices, shops, railway premises, hotels and boarding houses, factories and other places where people are employed.

Note: You will have to pay charges for both applications, and they are the same whichever method

you choose.