Lobster wrote:
wrote:
Owain wrote:

Incidentall, if the loft conversion is covered with a Building Regs
application, then the wiring can be put on that application and can then
be done by a DIYer in compliance with Part P, without any additional
inspection etc (other than that which is provided by the council
inclusive to the standard fee).


I think this depends on the Council. My local council, Medway will
charge you an additional £175 for any electrical installation approval
on top of their existing building control fees.

http://www.medway.gov.uk/index/envir...feessched3.htm

So does my council (although I've yet to put in a Part P building notice
myself); notwithstanding a directive from ODPM that they aren't allowed
to do so (a link has been posted here before but I can't find it);
therefore any additional fees *should* be challengeable.


This is at the moment a grey area on which more info is sought & more
investigatioon is needed. Part P ed 2 (April 2006) makes it clear that
councils cannot seek additional fees *after* the initial building regs
notice or plans are lodged/accepted. But what is the position if the
council, as Medway, wants the £175 up front? Nor is it clear whether
councils can charge differing amounts for different sections of the B
Regs.

Since ?1999 when fee setting was 'devolved' to councils there hasn't
been an official scale published by govt. How these fees are set seems
to be a murky job done behind closed doors of local govt associations,
just like any good cartel. Anyone out there able to lift the curtain?