BS5534:2014 – Roof slating/tiling
Monday, February 22, 2016
Due to ever worsening weather conditions which are predicted to keep declining, and the number of insurance claims, and claims against building warranties like NHBC, relating to roofs, BS5534 was revised in 2014, changing the requirements for roof...
VIDEO - Mary Portas - Retail Master-class
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
After long fighting the independent retailers' corner, Mary Portas has lent her expertise to a series of master classes designed to benefit them directly.
Developed in conjunction with Skillsmart Retail and delivered exclusively through the...
A New Found Faith in the Taunton Deane Planning Department
Friday, December 2, 2011
Colin Urquhart laid the foundations of what has become Kingdom Faith in the late 1970’s, when he moved from being an Anglican vicar in Luton to a speaker travelling the world. Now, in a new development for the Church, Crescent House [Taunton]...
Land Banking 'Scams'
Thursday, November 24, 2011
The Insolvency Service has warned that land banking scams are on the increase. Since 2007 Company Investigations, part of The Insolvency Service, has closed down 49 land banking companies in England and Wales that have collectively caused the public...
RICS; Vigilance required for PV 'Schemes'
Monday, October 31, 2011
RICS has today warned consumers to be vigilant when opting to let their roof space for green energy schemes, as doing so could violate mortgage terms and put a property's saleability at risk.
Many companies are now looking to benefit from the...
Galvanic Corrosion - Solar Panel Mounting Systems
Friday, September 23, 2011
What is galvanic corrosion and why is it important?
Galvanic corrosion is a corrosion process by which two metals can electro-chemically corrode when in contact together with an electrolyte (such as the moisture and salt in sea spray). This...
Free Networking Event - Wellington
Thursday, September 22, 2011
If you are interested in growing your business and meeting like minded professionals and trades you are welcome to join us at a [free] evening networking event - hosted by our friend and marketing colleague Paul Clegg - on 18th October at the...
20-20-20 Vision - Tackling Climate Change
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The UK’s continued reliance on oil and gas, and other pressures caused by the uncertainty of a changing and unpredictable global energy market, have prompted the development of measures designed to create a future in which both carbon...
Feed-in Tariffs – make money from solar panels on your property
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
First let's get one thing straight - we are NOT a solar installer - nor do we have any intention of becoming one! If you are considering having a solar 'PV' system we are happy to recommend a small handful of companies that are experts in the...
Top advice from Nick Hellis - Tree Consultant
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
BS-5837 gives recommendations and guidance on the principles to be applied to achieve a satisfactory juxtaposition of trees, including shrubs, hedges and hedgerows, with structures;
The standard recognises that there can be problems of development...
Civil Engineering & Structural Engineering
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
This article will explain the role of Civil / Structural Engineers and how they can provide professional advice for a wide range of projects.
What is a Civil or Structural Engineer?
Civil and Structural Engineer's are both recognised by the...
Planning Monkey Business - Planning Permission For Tree Houses
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Since the dawn of time children have looked to the trees to act out their playtime fantasies – after all, what could possibly be better than an tree top ‘base’ or a castle in the sky?
Fairies, soldiers, monsters, pirates, goblins, cowboys and...
Take a Chance on Me
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
SAVE's 22nd annual buildings at risk catalogue, published on 1 June 2011, is available now for pre-order.
It features a selection of 100 buildings from around England and Wales which will also be added to the online register on 1...
Business Energy Sustains Success
Friday, May 27, 2011
Everybody has a eureka moment. For Dr Keith Farmer it was decades ago. For well over 40 years his businesses have built an enviable reputation and an impressive list of satisfied clients. In 2010, reorganising this suite of...
The Swallows are back
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Summer is here; it's official... The swallows are busy looking for nesting sites and currently they have our office noted down as a prime piece of real-estate.
Working in such a well insulated building means that we have the windows and doors open...
Welcome Zavian Teh!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
We are very pleased to announce our new Consultant Structural Engineer - Zavian Teh.
Zavian has been working as an independent engineer for Keith Farmer for several years, yesterday (we are pleased and excited to report) Zavian agreed to join forces...
Trick or Tree't
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
We are often asked about the problems associated with trees and boundaries, the following is some useful information that should assist most general questions:
Trees, no matter how magnificent or apparently insignificant, can cause nuisance to a...
An Explosive Situation
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Last January Mr Milner of Sputnik Fireworks received a letter threatening enforcement action by West Borsetshire Borough Council (following a complaint that they had received from a concerned neighbour)...
BACKGROUND: Mr Milner had been...
Solar Panels - Permitted Development
Monday, February 21, 2011
Whilst the following information is believed to be accurate at the time of writing, professional advice and or direct assistance from your Local Planning Authority (Local Council Planning Department) should always be sought before installation...
Radon and Building Regulations
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Radon is a gaseous element formed by the disintegration of radium; the heaviest of the inert gasses; it occurs naturally in the ground (especially in areas over granite) and is considered a hazard to health.
Radon itself does not present too serious...
Representing Planning Objections
Sunday, February 6, 2011
With many development proposals there are two distinct sides to consider - the 'for' and the 'against'...
The English planning system introduces democracy into development - allowing all parties the opportunity to have their views and opinions...
Light Relief
Friday, January 28, 2011
In recent years it has become increasingly common to be awarded planning consent only to be burdened with onerous conditions relating to the control and reduction of light pollution - particularly when in relation to rural and isolated development...
Palmers Lodge - Award Winning Hostel
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
"The refurbishment has created a hostel in London with a difference and will ensure the future of this beautiful building so that it can be enjoyed by travellers from all over the world." Harvestglen Properties (Client)
Keith Farmer [Building...
The Use Classes Order 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
The following gives a general list of Use Classes for England - based on the Use Classes Order 1987 (With amendments; 2005, 2006 & 2010)
For detailed assistance in relation to this article, or for further advice in relation to changes of use of...
Flooding - A guide for property owners
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) recently published a useful guidance document in relation to Flooding for property owners. The publication is well worth a read if you have been affected by flooding or if you are worried...
Design & Access Statement Update
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Following publication of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Amendment England Order 2010, from 6 April 2010 Design and Access statements are not required for:
(a) permission to develop land without compliance...