Many self-builders come to view planners as the bad guys – the ones who prevent them from building what they like, where they like and spoil their plans with petty disputes and delays. True, there are instances when planning officials have made poor decisions or played power games but, on the whole, the planning officer should be viewed as the self-builder’s friend – an expert who can offer advice and may even enhance your original design. The golden rule when considering a plot is to speak to the local planning department before applying for consent, and ask for their help.

Most local authorities will offer guidance on the design approaches they are more likely to accept and, although following such guidelines is one way of minimising the chance of refusal, all such policies are open to interpretation – a task that a good local architect should be well qualified to tackle. Look in the planning register to find names of those designers who are consistently successful.
By establishing a good relationship with your planning officer you should be able to gather how your proposal is likely to be viewed. Some planning issues are relatively straightforward, such as height restrictions imposed to prevent overlooking neighbouring houses. Others, like character of the area, are open to interpretation, and can therefore prove more difficult to dispute.

BUILDING WITHOUT PLANNING PERMISSION

Some pieces of land are wrongly advertised as building plots’ when they actually have no planning permission. The chances are, if you see a one acre green field ‘plot’ advertised for peanuts, it will not have planning permission for a dwelling and is unlikely to be granted any, otherwise the owners would already have secured outline planning permission and bumped up the price accordingly.

Although building without planning permission, or making unauthorised alterations to plans, is not actually a criminal offence the local planners have four years in which to serve you with an enforcement notice requiring you to alter or demolish what you have built. You can appeal against this notice, but you will have to act quickly. It really is not worth the risk, and buying land without planning permission is not advisable – unless a property already exists on the site, which could be replaced or renovated without loss of outlay.

THE PLANNING SYSTEM

The planning system plays an important role in helping to protect the environment in our towns and cities and in the countryside. In England and Wales, a ‘plan-led system’ outlines what can be built and where. ‘Communities and Local Government’ sets out national planning policy, but the main responsibility rests with local planning authorities.

Each local authority must produce a Local Development Framework which outlines how planning will be managed in your area. Your local planning authority is responsible for deciding whether a development – from an extension on a house to a new shopping centre – should go ahead.

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?

The majority of new build homes will require planning permission – even if you are replacing one house with another. You can, however, extend or add to your home without the need to apply for planning permission provided you meet a new set of national limits and conditions which came into force in 2008.

The new regime for what is allowed without planning permission applies mainly to the dimension of the proposed extension, its position on the house and its proximity to your boundaries. It’s wise to check that your interpretation of the rules is agreed by those in the local planning department.

You’ll also need to apply for planning permission if you want to build an addition which would be nearer to any highway than the nearest part of the original house, or if more than half the area of land around the original house would be covered by additions or new buildings.
An interactive house guide is available at www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/hhg/houseguide.html which guides you around the planning permission rules for homes. All you have to do is click on the part the house to be changed – whether it’s a loft conversion, the driveway, solar panels, fencing, or even the bathroom – and a pop-up explains all the new rules.

USEFUL TOOLS

The government’s online planning portal aims to provide a one-stop shop supplying answers, services and information to anyone wanting to find out about the planning system in England and Wales. The website offers a number of useful tools designed to help with planning applications. Visit www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/publictools

Most buildings and extensions have sloping roofs – making the calculation of volume a tricky task. It is important to get it right if you are deciding whether planning permission will be needed, and the volume calculator calculates the area and volume of your works to see if planning permission is required.
Every planning application needs a plan showing the location and boundaries of the site you are planning to work on, and the Site Location Plan Creator enables the user to create a site location plan to support a planning application.

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

Self-builders are pioneers. They tend to leave the neighbours far behind when it comes to creating homes with that wow factor, and will often go all out to build something totally unique and radical. Some will fail, others will succeed. Much will depend on their architect or designer’s track record, but it is important to do everything possible to smooth the way – such as producing a scale model, which can be shown to neighbours and officials.

Nobody wants to get off on the wrong foot with their new neighbours, but so often self-builders become targets of the NIMBY brigade – who would rather nothing ever changed in their own particular back yard. In order to avoid disputes it is important to talk to the neighbours and try to allay any fears, which may prevent them from objecting to your design.

If you are proposing something particularly radical then lobby the parish councillors and consider asking your local district councillors and even your MP to back your application. Employing a professional to negotiate on your behalf at this stage should help speed up the process, and a local architect, planning consultant or building surveyor with a good track record will already be known by the planners.
Walk around the neighbourhood to see what kind of new homes have recently been built, and take some pictures of old and new properties that you like which you could cite as a precedent when making your own application.

THE APPLICATION

Applications are made to your council for planning permission, and applications are decided in line with the development plan unless there are very good reasons not to do so. Points that will be looked at include the number, size, layout, citing and external appearance of buildings; proposed means of access, landscaping and impact on the neighbourhood; availability of infrastructure, such as roads and water supply; and proposed use of the development.

It is not necessary to make the application yourself. If you wish, you can appoint an agent (for instance, to make it for you. Anyone can make an application, irrespective of who owns the land or buildings concerned. However, if you are not the owner, or if you have only part-ownership, you have to inform the owner or those who share ownership, including any leaseholder whose lease still has seven or more years to run, and any agricultural tenant.

Contact the planning department of your local planning authority for advice and request an application form. The council will give you a planning application form and any guidance on the information it expects you to provide. It is often a good idea to meet a planning officer for an informal discussion before you proceed. You may be charged for this service. Alternatively you may apply online at www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/public/planning/applications/

TYPES OF APPLICATION

For a new building, you can make an outline application to find out whether the development is acceptable in principle. This has the advantage that detailed drawings are not needed, but it will help to provide the council with as much information as possible. Once outline permission has been granted, you will need to ask for approval of the details (Reserved Matters) before work can start.

Reserved Matters comprise citing, design, external appearance, means of access and landscaping. What you propose must be consistent with the outline permission. If your proposals have changed in any way, you may need to reapply.

A full planning application requires the submission of all details of the proposal. It is appropriate if you wish to change the use of land or buildings or if you want to start work quickly.

Your application must be accompanied by a plan of the site, details of any proposed works and the fee. At least three copies of the form and plans are required, although some councils may ask for more. You must also complete a certificate to confirm that you own the land or have notified all owners of the land.

THE PROCESS

Planning staff at the council should acknowledge your application within a few days. They will place it on the Planning Register at the council offices so that it can be inspected by members of the public. They will also either notify your neighbours or put up a notice on or near the site. In certain cases, applications are also advertised in a local newspaper. This gives the public the opportunity to express views. The parish, town or community council will usually be notified, and other bodies such as the county council, the Environment Agency and the relevant government office for the region may also need to be consulted. Anyone can comment on your proposals. Your local council will assess the relevance of comments and, in the light of them, may suggest minor changes to the application to overcome any difficulties.

The planning department may prepare a report for the planning committee, which is made up of elected councillors. Or the council may give a senior officer in the planning department the responsibility for deciding your application on its behalf.

You are generally entitled to see and have a copy of any report submitted to a local government committee. You are also entitled to see certain background papers used in the preparation of reports. The background papers will generally include the comments of consultees, objectors and supporters which are relevant to the determination of your application. Such material should normally be made available at least three working days before the committee meeting.

Once the application has been made it is important to follow its progress, giving yourself time to make changes or even withdraw an application if it looks likely that it will be refused.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

There will be a fee. Your council will tell you exactly how much. The amount varies according to the type of development proposed. The revenue from fees contributes towards the cost to the council of handling applications and the fee is not refundable unless the application is invalid.

Where the local planning authority fails to determine your application, or where you submit a valid application and then withdraw it at any time before it has been determined, the fee will not be refundable. However, if the local authority fails to determine your application, you can appeal.

Some applications are exempt from fees. When a previous application has been granted, refused or withdrawn, one further application by the same applicant for the same type of development on the same site can generally be made free of charge within 12 months. It is for the council to decide whether this concession applies.
The Planning Portal fee calculator www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/public/tools/ can assist you by working out the cost of any particular planning application ranging from a simple householder development to large scale schemes such as housing schemes or industrial estates. It takes the form of a series of questions from which data is compiled to calculate the total cost of the application.

PROGRESS

If you feel the planning department is being slow in dealing with your application, you can ask them when a decision is likely. If you are still not satisfied, you canraise the matter with the council’s monitoring officer or with your elected local councillor. Even if councillors are not on the planning committee themselves, they will be able to put your points to those who are.

It may be useful to find out the dates of future committee meetings. Making your application at the right time could gain you three or four weeks if your proposals get on to the agenda of an earlier committee meeting. You have the right to attend the council meeting deciding your application.

planning applications are decided by planning officers under powers delegated to them by councillors (your council will usually be able to tell you who is deciding your application). If the decision has been delegated to a planning officer you will not have to wait for a council meeting. This does not prevent you making representations to councillors if you wish.

If the decision is one of refusal (for which the planners must give a bona fide reason) you can choose to change the design and re-submit the amendments within 12 months at no additional charge.

APPEALS

You may decide to appeal within six months to the Secretary of State against the decision. However, this will usually take several months and you may need to take advice – although there is no fee for an appeal. You and the local planning officer will put your cases in writing and an independent inspector will make a site visit, with both parties present, prior to sending a report and the decision.
Appeals are time consuming and only around half actually succeed, but they can act as a way of starting on it at www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/public/planning/appeals/ stating that you are prepared to make a stand and may reopen negotiations with the local authorities. It is possible to submit a new appeal, search for an existing one and comment on it at www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/public/planning/appeals/.

Notes on building renovations- planning applications.
The Plastering Company- Manchester’s independent plasterers.

While the en suite is the grown-up face of bathing, this is no reason for the main family bathroom to descend into a chaos of plastic toys and toiletries. A good design will make it pleasurable to use and should include enough storage to keep everything streamlined and under control. “A place to pack away toys and other children’s paraphernalia is essential for a family bathroom and should be planned from the outset rather than as a last-minute add-on”.

The right fittings

Where space allows, opt for a separate bath and shower plus double basins or a larger trough-style basin with two sets of taps that will help speed up youngsters’ teeth-cleaning routines. A double-ended bath is perfect for bathing toddlers together, while central, wall-mounted taps have luxurious spa style and are less likely to induce tears from a bumped head.

Wall-hung furniture makes it easy to keep floors clean and will help create a spacious feel. Choose a low-level shower tray to create a sleek finish and good accessibility for the very young (and the elderly). When planning a layout, consider how you will use the space, ensuring there is enough elbow room to lift small children out of the bath and dry them down in comfort.

Storage options

Even in a small bathroom, it’s important that you have enough storage space, particularly as children reach their teens and toiletries seem to increase by the day. Make use of all available wall space and look at counter-top basins with a roomy vanity unit below. Recessed alcoves in the shower area and around baths are great for keeping shampoo and soap close to hand, and a lockable wire cabinet, which is available from John Lewis, can be fitted inside a cupboard to safely store cleaning chemicals and medicines.
Keramag’s Cassini storage range features a stool to help little ones reach the WC and basin. It fits neatly under the vanity unit when not required and can double as a seat for parents when bathing children.

Warm and dry

Children and water invariably result in splashes (at the very least) so anticipate the worst and plan accordingly. As a rule, the more areas you can cover in wipe-clean, waterproof surfaces the better. Tiles are the first choice for family bathrooms. Large-format ceramics are inexpensive and will create the illusion of extra space. Toughened glass can also be used to cover large surfaces, and this has the additional benefit of no grout lines to keep clean.

Choose slip-free flooring and team with underfloor heating; alternatively, look at modern solutions such as rubber from Dalsouple or The Rubber Flooring Company. This feels warm underfoot and is available in a choice of bright colours that will bring character to a plain bathroom.

A heated towel rail is a good idea but do take care to position it out of the reach of young children. A hotel-style heated towel shelf fitted above the end of the bath is a good option, especially where space is tight.

Checklist

• A bath and separate shower is preferable if space allows.
• Leave space around the bath so that it’s easy to lift young children in and out.
• Choose easy-care, non-porous finishes that won’t harbour bacteria.
• For safety, taps and showers should be thermostatically controlled. Visit tmva.org.uk for how to avoid scalding accidents.
• Flow restrictors on taps will prevent water wastage, especially when cleaning teeth.
• Plan maximum storage for toys, toiletries and towels.
• Ensure light pulls and door handles are within reach of youngsters.

Key pieces – Safe and ecological

You can avoid wasting water by buying taps with built-in flow restrictors; many taps can be fitted with an eco-click device that reduces water consumption by up to 72 per cent. According to the Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers Association, around 437 children under five are seriously scalded in the bath each year so buy taps with a TMV2 thermostatic mixing valve. As well as bath taps with thermostatic controls built in, Deva supplies thermostatic blending valves that are connected to pipework under the bath to update existing taps.

Notes on bathroom layout, design and refurbishment
The Plastering Company – Manchester’s independent plasterers

Since the advent of open-plan living, the en suite bathroom is practically the only room in the house that remains private. While family and guest bathrooms need to be planned with other people in mind, the en suite offers the opportunity to think only of yourself and indulge in some off-the-wall design, should you choose. “Individuality is all about personal taste and style so, rather than trying to be on trend, it’s great to be original and to select styles, finishes and colours that are unique to you.

Design points

Creating a truly personal scheme can be much harder than follow­ing a particular trend, especially as you wouldn’t want it to appear contrived. For many, the perfect indulgent bathroom has a feeling of intimacy as well as plenty of space, which you can achieve with minimalist shower screens and reflective materials. “We live such frantic lives that I believe the less restricted you feel in your home, the easier it is to live there, and the bathroom is a prime example of this”. It’s also nice to have a cocooning feel, however, so, although the room should be uncluttered, by introducing rich textures and soft furnishings you can create an indulgent space.

Lighting schemes

Installing a choice of lighting options will allow you to change the mood of the room, effortlessly transforming it from invigorating by day to atmospheric by night. It’s also possible to buy shower systems and bath surrounds with built-in coloured lighting that can be adjusted to suit (or alter) your state of mind. Likewise, integrated music will add to the experience and help create the right mood.

Storage ideas

A glamorous vanity unit will provide necessary storage and create a striking focal point. “For the ultimate personal oasis we recommend a really generous one-metre-wide console basin in a luxury material.This will provide plenty of space for lotions and add an elegant dressing table touch”. Large mirrors will complete the look.

Checklist

• Rich, sumptuous fittings and finishes will add a sense of luxury.
• Mix in antique or vintage elements to create a very personal space – don’t be afraid to indulge your whims.
• Heated towel rails and underfloor heating are both musts for comfort.
• Consider lighting at the planning stage for controllable light levels and even colours to suit your mood.
• Install integrated speakers to pipe music into the room.
• Use candles and incense to enhance the relaxed atmosphere.
• Attic bathrooms will benefit from a skylight so you can see the sky, day or night, as you bathe.

Key spa-style pieces baths

Take inspiration from luxury spas and boutique hotels when planning your bathroom. A large, deep sunken tub make a grand statemer and is a must for long, relaxing soaks. For maximum comfort, measure the full width of your shoulders and ensure that the width of the bath is at least the same measurement, if not more. Infinity baths that trickle water over the sides are also very soothing, while the addition of hydro-massage jets will relieve tired muscles. Do, however, check the noise levels of a spa bath before investing; a loud motor is not the most relaxing of background sounds.

Notes on kitchen Layout, design and refurbishment
The Plastering Company – Manchester’s independent plasterers

Not all kitchens have the luxury of space but this need not dampen the fire of a keen cook. Many a professional kitchen is cosy to say the least and, with several chefs working at once, this can equate to just a metre’s width per person. Of course, a compact space can really work in your favour. Everything you need will be close to hand and short distances between the cooker, sink and refrigerator save legwork. “I always like a mini prep sink close to the oven, which means you can wash vegetables and equipment quickly while also closely monitoring what’s cooking on the stove”.

Cooker choice

Positioning ovens at mid-height allows you to keep a watchful eye on contents but, for many keen cooks, only a range cooker will do. The latest innovations in built-in ovens and hobs are geared towards high-precision cooking and produce perfectly seared joints, the lightest souffles and crisply browned pastry. “By using sensor controls that measure and adjust heat and humidity throughout the cooking process, intelligent ovens are revolutionising the way we cook, creating restaurant results with minimum effort”.
To get the authentic professional chef experience, opt for really robust models in stainless steel and cast iron – range cookers by La Cornue, Viking or Wolf areprice y but virtually indestructible – and make sure that the extractor you choose is a powerful externally vented model.

Clever storage

Keeping ingredients, pots, pans and utensils organised is essential, and this is where dedicated storage solutions, such as those by Blum and Hettich really excel. By carefully organising each unit you can cut down on the number of cabinets required, making sure every inch counts. Sticking to low-level drawer units kitted out with pan dividers, utensil trays and plate racks, keeps the walls free from cabinetry which helps to make the room look and feel more spacious.Cupboard doors will be opened opposite each other, so ensure that there is enough space between them to do so: 1,200mm should be sufficient. Drop-down dishwasher doors can be problematic so look for drawer-style models. Make the most of a full-height wall at the end of the galley with a bank of floor-to-ceiling larder units for storing dry goods as well as smaller gadgets and cooking appliances.
In the professional kitchen a lot of equipment is kept on permanent view on steel shelving and ceiling-hung pan racks. This isn’t always ideal in the home but narrow wall shelves and one or two utensil or knife racks will keep essentials to hand.

Lighting ideas

A linear galley is one of the easiest layouts to light. A central track of spots that can be directed to key work areas offers an effective solution, or consider concealed ceiling lighting with the occasional wall light to back up additional light from the extractor. Above all, ensure your prep area is not overshadowed.

Checklist

• Opt for low-level and pantry-style cabinetry – wall units can restrict movement.
• Use appliance “garages” opposite sink and hob to update the classic working triangle.
• Choose professional appliances that are built for speed.
• Stainless-steel surfaces are easy to keep clean and are hardwearing.
• In a large kitchen add a separate prep sink to wash veg.
• Taps with flexible hoses are excellent for rinsing dishes.
• For speed, a hot water tap by the hob allows you to fill pans.

Galley kitchens – dream layout

Based on the kitchens in yachts, which deliver ultimate efficiency in the most compact space, the galley-style layout has a straight run of units down one wall. The double-galley has two parallel runsof units with a central walkway from which you can reach from side to side without moving  your feet. It is the perfect layout for those with long, narrow kitchens but it’s also considered the most efficient way to work. You might want to create this set-up in a larger, open space by teaming a run of units with a generous parallel island. Make sure there is enough space for cupboard doors to open opposite each other.

Notes on kitchen layout, design and refurbishment.
The Plastering Company – Manchester’s independent plasterers.

Gone are the days of the chef being isolated in the kitchen while guests wait in the dining room. Today’s open-plan kitchens become the life and soul of the party, with the cooking process part of the entertainment and the island unit coming into its own. “Position your hob facing your audience and cook up a storm” .

Seating design

While the idea of a kitchen for entertaining sounds very glamor­ous, it only really works if things run smoothly. The secret is in the seating. Guests may home in on the aromas wafting from the cooking area but, if there is nowhere to perch, they will end up under your feet. Ideally, two or three bar stools on the opposite side of an island will keep guests close by but at a safe distance. If space is tight, try Alno’s table which slides out into a seating area then shuts away when not in use.

Set the mood

The perfect party kitchen should be entertaining in itself, so choose materials that will shimmer by night – high-gloss lacquers are perfect – and add a design feature, such as a sculptural cooker hood or sparkling light fitting to catch the eye. “Retractable doors that cover appliances and messy work areas are great for shutting up shop while you dine, but they must fit all the way back into the recess when open or they’ll get in the way”.

Modern extras

Invest in the latest built-in coffee machines, steam ovens and teppanyaki griddles if you want to impress. Double dishwashers are a godsend for stashing away dirty dishes as you go, and the latest refrigerator drawers (try Fisher & Paykel and CDA), which fit under the island work top are perfect for keeping prepared ingredients to hand.

Quiet operators

In a kitchen-diner it’s essential to invest in a powerful extractor that will remove cooking odours and steam without being too noisy. Normal levels of conversa­tion lie at around the 58 to 60dB mark, so look for hoods and dish-washers that operate at below 56dB. De Dietrich’s DHD7000X 90cm down-draught extractor has a super-quiet 34dB. Soft-touch closers will also eliminate banging cupboard doors and drawers.

Checklist

• Choose glamorous materials and finishes for a sophisticated feel.
• Mix soft, comfortable seating with more formal bar stools.
• High-end luxury appliances offer impressive results and are all part of the show.
• Use good-quality extraction to control humidity and odours.
• Streamline audio­visual equipment and use in-ceiling speakers.
• Install lighting with dimmer switches to set the mood.

Creating zones

In a large space it’s important to divide the room into distinct zones for cooking, eating and relaxing. An island unit is a great way to demarcate the serious working elements and the softer, social side. It’s tempting to think square when selecting an island, but oblique or curved designs are impressive in larger rooms and will create a focal point. Your designer will help
you achieve seamless movement between preparation, cooking and serving, while the coffee machine and wine chiller will be accessible to guests.

Notes on kitchen Layout, design and refurbishment
The Plastering Company – Manchester’s independent plasterers

They opted for a double height addition to ensure it made a considerable difference to the house. “We pushed the front of the house out an extra three metres as well as adding another storey which obviously involved some major structural work,” says Judith. “We virtually doubled the size of the wing, the extra space enabled us to improve the internal layout so we could move the kitchen to the back of the house taking up the equivalent of two rooms. We also added an open hallway and a separate utility room so the downstairs flows more comfortably. Upstairs we gained an extra bedroom and bathroom.”

“It was very rewarding when the project was completed and we knew we had made the right decisions”

Teething problems

The family remained in the house during the building process, living with a temporary kitchen for six months while the structural work was underway. “It was uncomfortable but it had the advantage that we could keep track of the progress,” says Judith. “And I’m glad we did as from the off we came across problems, starting with the foundations. Everyone assumed it would be straightforward as we were working with the existing foundations. But unfortunately once work commenced we discovered they were in poor condition and not man enough for the job, and had to be replaced.

Next came the removal of the existing back wall and part of the roof. Ian, the builder, installed a temporary structure and roof to keep the family operational. “Ian tried to keep us as comfortable as possible but we were unlucky with the weather. There was a stage when it poured with rain, which meant I came home from work to find the buckets everywhere to catch the leaks,” explains Judith.
And things didn’t get any easier, as the couple found the whole decision making process rather tricky.

“Ian consulted us about everything and helped us as much as he could but we didn’t always have the answers. For example, skirting boards and door furniture are normally specified by an architect or designer, but we hadn’t given them much thought,” says Judith. “The biggest nightmare was trying to work out the placement of electrical sockets and switches, as we found it very difficult to envisage where these would be needed. It’s amazing how obvious it seems once you are using a room. It’s the only area where we made a few blunders. For example, we didn’t think of putting in a light switch for the laundry area – it was a very small mistake, but is very inconvenient.”

Reinventing the kitchen

The main focus for both Judith and Frank was the new kitchen, and Jane began researching ideas for this as soon as construction started, sifting through magazines cutting out pictures and making a file of everything she liked. She focused on finding the best kitchen companies in the area and selected three or four at the top end of the market, but was disappointed to find they all offered very similar contemporary designs that didn’t relate to the period of the house. A close friend suggested she discuss her ideas with Joe the plasterer.
“I found my reception there world’s apart from previous discussions at other companies. The staff were so friendly and helpful, it just felt instinctively right,” says Judith.

She arrived at the showroom armed with a file brimming with pictures and was immediately wowed by a worktop she spotted as she walked in. “It was one of those things I just had to have,” she says. Working closely with Leon, Judith found something that would work with the old elements of the home and could still incorporate some contemporary features. “I was excited about the new kitchen, but wasn’t going to be happy until we had an Aga as part of the scheme. We had one in our old home and I was bereft to leave it.”

As with previous parts of the build, finding a suitable location for the Aga wasn’t straightforward. “Because we chose a gas fired version we needed an open flue, as there wasn’t an existing chimney already in place we had to install a conventional flue with access to the outside that wasn’t too close to the overhang of the trees.”
Thankfully the couple found a specialist company that built a metal prefabricated twin flue for them, and they both agree that it was a worthwhile expense as they depend on the Aga for all their hot water and heating in the house as well as cooking.

Learning from layouts

Other than the Aga, Judith had a list of ‘must haves’ for the new kitchen, including an island for extra work space plus enough room for her solid wood table and chairs. “The table was a treasured find and I could envisage eating at it while looking out through the new French windows onto the garden,” says Judith. As Leon from the Plastering Company had expressed concern that running an island and a table the length of the kitchen would look unattractive, a design evolved with the island running across the room instead, creating a natural barrier between the work zone and dining area. “Not only was it the perfect solution for the ares, but it is so much more sensible for entertaining,” points out Judith.

Judith was keen to maximise the extra space and keep the room as open as possible. “I had a marvellous amount of storage in the old kitchen but I was determined to avoid repeating the formula of lots of wall cupboards,” she says. Leon suggested we create an alcove for some overhead cabinets by moving a door and boxing in the gap, and the addition of random open shelves, which provide display areas, kept the cabinets from closing in the open feeling in the room.”

Initially Jaudith planned to decorate the room in black and white, based around a classic black Aga, but after seeing the visuals prepared by Leon, Frank felt the room looked slightly cold and impersonal. After reflection the couple decided to introduce a softer colour palette, and made the decision to hang the design around a coloured Aga.

“Duck egg blue has always been a favourite of mine and when I discovered it’s one of the original Aga colours the decision was instant,” says Judith.  ”We extended the colour palette throughout the room by painting the walls in plaster tones and added matching glass splash backs to give that finishing touch.”

Looking back the couple feel they managed to work everything out as a team, “We worked closely with Ian and Leon who gave us great advice throughout. I must admit it was very rewarding when the project was completed and we knew had made the right decisions,” says Judith.

Notes on kitchen design and refurbishment.
The Plastering Company- Manchester’s independent plasterers

Adding a small shower room or wet room is an excellent way to relieve pressure on existing bathrooms. It is also a popular route when renovating older properties that aren’t blessed with the numerous bathing options of a new-build. Fuss-free, wet room styling is very much the look of the moment and the omission of a bulky enclosure means even the smallest wet room will feel quite spacious. Happily, wet rooms are becoming less specialist, and water-tight tanking systems designed for DIY use are more readily available. Roman Showers and Impey are two well-respected suppliers of easy to install wet room systems.

Creating space

Carving space out of a large bedroom, converting a little-used end of a corridor or allocating an area in a loft extension are some of the most popular ways to create an extra shower room.
The key consideration will be re-routing services, such as water and waste, plus electricity supply, so it makes sense to choose a space next to or above an existing bathroom or kitchen. Also, you should bear in mind that you are almost certain to need a pump and a macerator – Saniflo has a good selection – to service an extra shower room that is located up in the eaves.

Wet room style

Tanking an entire room can be costly but you can save money by opting for a wet area instead. This involves recessing a large flush-fitting shower tray, such as Bette’s new BetteFloor, into the ground and screening the area off with a minimalist glass panel. Besides cutting tanking costs, this method makes creating the right drainage levels much easier, ensuring that water flows away quickly.
Before installing a wet room on an upper floor, do seek the advice of a structural engineer to check if the floor needs to be strengthened beforehand. For minimal fuss, a spacious walk-in shower that fits the imprint of a standard bath will offer some of the open-plan freedom of a wet room but without any need for tanking the room.

Choosing fittings

The choice of shower tends to depend on water pressure. If you are on a low-pressure system, you will need to be extra careful that the shower valve you choose is suitable. “It is always beneficial to have a hand-held shower fitting as well as an overhead spray to help with cleaning the shower area after use. Also ask about enclosures with protective finishes on the glass that reduce staining from hard water and limescale”.

If you have high pressure, and a generous supply of hot water, a modern rain shower is the ultimate luxury, and can be combined with body jets for an all-over showering experience. However, do make sure that your shower tray or wet room installation can cope with the high volumes of water produced. Shower company On The Level can create trays for wet rooms with two-trap gullies as well as high-flow trap gullies capable of dealing with between 60 and 100 litres per minute for impressive super-quick drainage.

Checklist

• Low-line shower trays create a wet room look without the need for tanking.
• Ensure your hot water supply suits the flow rate of your shower.
• Digital showers give ultimate control and can be preset to suit everyone in the family.
• Use space-saving corner sanitaryware to maximise the showering area.
• Choose slip-resistant flooring, such as mosaic tiles, in wet areas.
• Plan the layout so that towel storage and toilet roll holders are well away from an open shower.
• Good ventilation is essential – install external extraction wherever possible.
• Use colours and materials that match an adjoining room for a smooth flow between en suite and bedroom.

Key pieces – Compact fittings

To ensure a maximum showering area, it’s worth exploring space-saving sanitaryware that hugs the wails and corners. Ideal Standard’s Space range by Robin Levien is perhaps the best known
and includes narrow-depth basins and corner WCs that leave the main floor area clear. Cloakroom basins are a good idea; you will find some impressive designs such as Norman Foster’s basin for Duravit which is less expensive than the full-size version. If you have chosen compact sanitaryware, make sure your taps are in proportion as standard-sized taps can dwarf small basins.

Notes on bathroom layout, design and refurbishment
The Plastering Company – Manchester’s independent plasterers

Designing a kitchen with children in mind challenges you to look at the room from all angles to create a functional and practical space. A kitchen-diner in a family home is often the logical solution, offering plenty of room for a multitude of tasks from cooking, eating and homework to playing and relaxing.

Enduring design

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the style for a busy kitchen, but do consider how your chosen finish will look en masse if fitting a long run of cabinets. In recent years there has been a move towards a more streamlined style of units rather than classic cabinet doors for open-plan spaces. Mixing finishes is a great way to break up monotonous runs of units. Try natural wood plus a solid colour, two colours together – perhaps a white and a bright for a modern look – or two or three subdued tones in a painted kitchen. Painted cupboards are easy to refresh after a few knocks and, while lacquered finishes are durable and easy to wipe clean, they do show sticky finger marks; solid wood tends to be more forgiving. Stainless steel still offers the best durability and heat resistance for sinks.

Using the space

You can afford to be bold with shapes in a large space, adding curves and introducing surfaces at varying heights. Opt for rounded or bull-nosed-edged worktops to minimise damage in collisions, especially if your children are young. Finally, you can never have too much storage. Larder-style cupboards and “garages” of appliances provide maximum storage in any area.

Keeping safe

It’s important to create safe, accessible storage areas so that children can help themselves to drinks and snacks. Ideally, there will be an obvious route to the fridge and snack cupboard away from the cooker, while storing breakfast cereals in an easy-to-reach cupboard encourages independence. A good designer will create a layout that guides children away from danger without sacrificing style.

Appliances

Fridges with ice and water on tap are ideal, and those with beverage doors (such as Samsung’s RSE8KPAS) allow access to milk and drinks via a mini door, cutting down on warm air entering when the main door is opened

Appliances should be robust and spacious. A good, solid range cooker is ideal but a built-in oven at eye level is often the safer option and standard 60cm-wide models are now available with much higher capacities. Many electric hobs and ovens have child locks as standard, but you can’t beat induction for safety as it heats the pan not the surface, leaving very little residual heat.

Checklist

• Make sure the main thoroughfare is away from the cooker.
• Incorporate larder-style storage for the weekly shop.
• Keep appliances above waist height where possible.
• A casual dining area on the worktop or separate table is ideal for family meals.
• Choose wipe-clean, non-porous surfaces in forgiving colours.
• Choose appliances with safety locks and high-volume capacity.
• Quarter-turn taps are easiest for small hands to operate.

Dream layout – L or U-shaped kitchens

Walls can be removed to create one spacious room that will benefit from a classic L- or U-shaped layout, either teamed with an island or left open to accommodate a dininq table and even a sofa. Arrange the fridge, sink and oven in a working triangle surrounded by plenty of free work surfaces, while a peninsula that juts out will deter little visitors. “Position the hob or sink facing out towards the table so you can keep an eye on the children”. Adding a conservatory is a popular way to create a playroom that’s visible from the kitchen.

Notes on kitchen layout, design and refurbishment
The Plastering Company – Manchester’s independent plasterers

A spa at home – create a sanctuary in your own home.
A room for all ages – design with age in mind.
Go with the flow – finding the space for an extra bathing area.

Kitchen notes

Party lines – a kitchen to entertain.
Master chef – design with efficiency in mind.
The new front room – designing the kitchen as a living space.
Building an extension – a Manchester story.

Miscellaneous

Building regulations – a guide to planning application

Plastering links

Cheshire Plasterer – Cheshire plasterer covering the Middlewich, Northwich, Knutsford and Sandbach areas.
Plasterer South London – Professional plasterers in London. Honest and reliable plasterers throughout south London.

Other links

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