Lofty planning regulations may save lives

As house prices continue to soar, homeowners wanting to increase their space are looking for more affordable ways than moving house. Adding an extension is an economical way to do that, so anyone thinking about loft conversions should take note of new regulations from April 1.
The new regulations will improve fire safety, and are being enforced by Hull City Council building control officers.
"Anyone who's in the loft during a house fire may not be able to get back down the staircase and would have to wait until they're rescued through the window in the roof," says David Carter, principal building control officer.
"But the new regulations say that the staircase to the loft must be protected from fire by making sure all the doors around the staircase enclosure are fireproof.
"This would let people – very possibly children – escape unaided down the staircase and walk straight out of the front door. Lives could be saved."
Existing building regulations, enforced by the council, apply to wide areas of building work, including new, extended and altered buildings.
Building control officers provide technical advice to households so that new buildings or extensions are structurally stable. Site visits or meetings at their offices at the 2nd floor of Kingston House, on Bond Street can be arranged. Advice can also be given over the phone.
Call 300300.
More information can also be obtained from the website at www.hullcc.gov.uk/buildingcontrol or by emailing hull.building.control@hullcc.gov.uk