Bathroom fans in scheduled ancient monument

[KN]

Hi all

Looking for advise on Bathroom & kitchen fans in Sheduled Ancient Monument.
Well you know our house, has really thick walls and is still a classed SAM. Building regs is wanting fans in the bathrooms (8 off) we obviously do not want to.
All have huge sash windows (single glazed), with plenty of draft and are very large spaces. I think the fan in a thick wall wouldn't actually get rid of the moisture let alone the damage it will do to the fabric.

Any ideas other than asking English Heritage who I would hope say NO. (Need to apply for ancient monument consent anyway). Who would have the over-riding decision EH or building regs?
Can we refuse to put fans in?

Many Thanks in advance,

Karen

 

[Nimster]

Personally, I would tell Building Regs you are consulting EH. Pass the Building Regs requirement to EH with a note expressing your concerns and saying that you really don't want to install fans in a SAM and asking for their feelings/guidance. I strongly suspect EH will be on your side - it's not like you NEED fans in bathrooms anyway. If building regs want to insist on the fans, get them to take it up with EH direct - I'm sure EH will have the final say.

Good luck!

 

[Nemesis]

Cripes - building regs can be waived in situations such as yours! But BCO people can be such jobsworths.

Give EH a ring and tell 'em what is going on. I have no doubt they will be on your side. As will SPAB.

Fans indeed - open the window as we do!!!


Drove through Hellifield yesterday.

Great article in SAVE Buildings at Risk catalogue - thank you so much!

Ev

 

[KN]

Thanks.
When the BCO arrives next week with his paperwork I'll see what I can do. I'll keep you posted.

Nemesis - Did you walk by?
(Francis was shocked having walked into the toilet to an audience stood at the gate)


Karen

 

[Nemesis]

No just drove through!

I'd contact SPAB before next week and also EH...

 

[KN]

Thanks

Next time call in.

Karen

P.S Should I still plant that wisteria that I've just bought!

 

[Nemesis]

Personally I'd plant it in the garden and not hide the architecture!

(I have a strange relationship with ours... it's great when in bloom but...)

http://www.invectis.co.uk/sissing/sswall.htm

 

[KN]

Lovely gardens, wish mine looked like that, just about to seed my mud bath.

 

[NT]

Extractor fans are not required under BR in batrooms with opening windows.


NT

 

[biffvernon]

Extractor fans are not required under BR in batrooms with opening windows.


NT

The bats need to be able to fly out and the wings get damaged by extractor fan blades.

 

[Craig]

Is that true, NT? I cant find anybody who wont tell me I have to do that - and I'd rather much not as they are rubbish and no one uses them anyway.

 

[biffvernon]

Read the Building Regulations - remembering that the LAW is just the little bits in green, the rest is called 'Guidance', which is just what it is. The law says you have to provide adequate ventilation. One way of doing that is with an exractor fan.

 

[NT]

Another is with an opening window.

NT

 

[Craig]

Absolutely - where do I look though? When I go here:

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/4000000000339.html

But I guess the Approved Documents are just the Technical Guidance (ie not the legal bit)?

So, should I be reading these: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1115314112742.html

Or is there a better place to review?

 

[Pford75]

The advice from Biff and Penners sounds to be exactly what you need.

We weren't aware and simply used an in-line extractor, which vents up into the roof void (in a tube obviously) and then out down through the soffitt so is virtually invisible on the exterior of the house (and didn't involve core drilling 3ft solid walls

 

[biffvernon]

The advice from Biff and Penners sounds to be exactly what you need.

Actually in Karen's case she shouldn't even have glass in the windows and certainly no bathroom. What's wrong with a dip in the river?