Landcross Road, Fallowfield, Manchester

Project type: Residential

Requirements: Building Regulations Application for 2 Single Storey Rear Extensions

RIBA Stages: 0 to 2 and 4

The Client (a private Landlord) had recently purchased this terrace property in the student area of Fallowfield, Manchester. He wanted to let the property as multi-occupancy; however the building needed some general refurbishment. The existing Bathroom had been partitioned to accommodate a cramped Shower Room. The existing Kitchen was too small to be of practical use.

Ibelin Architecture was instructed to provide architectural drawings, for the construction of two single storey rear extensions. The first extension would increase the depth of the existing kitchen, and provide a utility area. The second extension was for a new Bathroom on the ground floor. The partitioning separating the Shower Room and Bathroom on the first floor would be removed to create one large bathroom.

Manchester Planning was initially consulted to determine if any development restrictions were in place for the area. The Planning Officer confirmed there were none. The client wanted to extend the building under 'Permitted Development' guidelines, so no formal Planning Application would have to be made. The extensions were designed to a depth of 3m from the Rear Elevation, and the materials used were similar to the original building, so as to be classed as 'Permitted Development'.

A Building Notice application was compiled for submission to Manchester Building Control because the client wanted to begin construction as soon as possible (This is not generally recommended to anyone who is unfamiliar with construction work, or wants mortgage approval. The architectural drawings are not given an Approval Notice before any construction work starts. It is the client / contractors responsibility to inform the Building Officer of all keys stages of the build so they can make their inspections, and issue a Final Completion Certificate).

The existing boundary walls would be demolished, and the gable walls of the new extensions and boundary walls would be built entirely on the Client's land, running along the Party Wall Line. The architect drafted Party Wall Notices to both of the neighbouring property owners, as prescribed in the Party Wall Act. Ibelin Architecture assisted the Client in negotiating the neighbours consent for work to continue.

The Client requested Ibelin compile a Schedule of Works to help him tender for builders. This document would be read in conjunction with the architectural drawings describing any work not shown, to determine the full scope of the work involved in the project. Once the construction work had been completed the Client applied for a HMO licence, and Ibelin Architecture assisted him in this application too.