Reinstating chimney stack - Building Regs?

[paulb33]

While the scaffolding's up for my windows, I'm hoping to reinstate a chimney stack that was removed in the 50s. See photo below of capped stack (taken in 70s with original windows) and original drawing showing tall stack.


I'm told that I need approval from Building Regs, as well as LBC. Grrr. Anybody have any thoughts what this might involve? The chimney stack will be somewhat cosmetic - it previously served a range in the kitchen - long since removed and bricked up. I guess it would be worthwhile ensuring it COULD be used if the fireplace was ever reinstated. However, not if I can cut down expense and building regs.

Value opinions on the building reg aspect.

Paul

 

[Penners]

I guess it would be worthwhile ensuring it COULD be used if the fireplace was ever reinstated. However, not if I can cut down expense and building regs.

Paul - what a fabulous building! Arts & Crafts, I presume?

My very inexpert opinion is that it will make little difference to the cost whether or not you reinstate the chimney to a useable state. A chimney is a pretty simple structure - a brick tube - so I certainly agree that it would be worth keeping useability in mind when you do the job.

If you definitely won't be using it, just remember to cap it (invisibly would be best) and ensure that there is airflow through it.

 

[paulb33]

I guess it would be worthwhile ensuring it COULD be used if the fireplace was ever reinstated. However, not if I can cut down expense and building regs.

Paul - what a fabulous building! Arts & Crafts, I presume?

Funny you should ask, Penners. Apparently, its "Edwardian Freestyle". Here's the original drawings.

I learned this term from an expert Architectural Historian at the weekend. Apparently its a term that's now being used to described these buildings, which were designed by architects "of the movement" with heavy styling but in a non-dogmatic way in the early 20th C. So, you'll see elements of tudor, gothic, Queen Anne etc. but used in an honest way, as the use of the building/rooms dictated (rather than for aesthetic reasons). I'd always described it as "arts and crafts with art nouveau influences". But, that always seemed a contradiction in terms. So, Edwardian Freestyle it is from now on....

This is my moneypit: Red House designed by John Coates Carter (1859-1927) for his own occupation. A somewhat under-celebrated architect, peer of Voysey, graduate of the Royal Academy schools and partner of JP Seddon. I've started a v basic Flickr site if anyone's interested... http://www.flickr.com/groups/2208809@N22/

Paul

 

[plasticpigeon]

Personally I would forget about building regs and rebuild the chimney how you want it. Shame about your windows, the ole ones look so good. I'm getting bored of my job, I think making windows for old houses might be more satisfying.

 

[Penners]

Very interesting, Paul. I did wonder whether it might be a Lutyens, but decided that it was a bit too ornate for him. Thanks for the drawings - fascinating!

 

[MatthewC]

When I had to rebuild the Victorian single floor one room brick extension at the back of my house, the CO wanted to retain the symmetry of the two houses and so I had to rebuild the tall stack to the same height (level with the eaves), which I was happy with. Then the planners said that it had to be higher to conform with Building Regs (not their problem, I would have thought). I only got out of this cleft stick by pointing out that the plans said that it was non-functional and so BRs didn't apply.

Then my builder did it two courses too low... I just hope no-one ever notices!

 

[MdB]

I would rebuild to meet building regs. I can't see any reason not to. The only requirements of importance are height and materials and I can't see either being an issue. The cross section of the flue will dictate what sort and size stove / fireplace you can have but that isn't difficult to work out. Read Part J for the details: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/partj/approved