Baumeister Pty Ltd Gerrit Duits’ Post

The building approval process and the Fiji National Building Code is a labyrinth of red tape and needs to be the starting point of any serious effort in solving for investment and growth in Fiji. My view is the approval process needs to focus solely on structural fundamentals rather than attempting to tick every box in the building code--most of which have zero implications on structural soundness, like the minimum height of a laundry room, or the requirement for a shower in disable toilets, or the minimum number of toilets/urinals in public washrooms etc. Yes, it’s that detailed! This happens when countries copy/paste laws from overseas without proper regard to the implications on interactions between public officials and regulated industries in navigating compliance with the law, and the natural tendency for "state capture" when govts attempt to regulate precise and trivial details of production, particularly in countries with weak/poor institutions like Fiji. Indeed, it’s public knowledge that well-connected project managers/engineers engage openly in influence peddling in regards to approval processes with Town & Country Planning, manipulating the process for their own interests. The solution is to peel back regulation to the realm of common sense and let standards (like the number of urinals in a public washroom etc.) be regulated instead by competition in the industry. Its not rocket science!

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚? 🤔 👉 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 can face approval challenges due to zoning laws, insufficient planning documentation, or non-compliance with local council regulations. Factors like land size, setbacks, and building height all play a crucial role in the approval process. 👉 At 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢 𝐄𝐧𝐠, we ensure your 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 meets all the necessary requirements, helping you avoid delays and costly mistakes. 📧 Email us: hi@archieng.au 🌏 Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/d9DsUf5G #GrannyFlats #BuildingApproval #ArchiEng #AustraliaProperty #PlanningApproval #ConstructionAustralia #PropertyDevelopment #HomeImprovement #GrannyFlatDesign #UrbanPlanning #AustralianHomes #BuildingRegulations #ZoningLaws #ResidentialDesign #SmartLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableLiving #HomeExtension #PropertyInvesting #Australia

PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED FOR FIVE NEW BUILD DWELLINGS UTILISING CLASS Q FALLBACK Acorn Rural Property Consultants is pleased to have obtained full planning permission for the construction of five detached dwellings in the Mid Devon countryside. This approval provides a superior alternative to a previously secured Class Q fallback, which allowed for the conversion of one agricultural building into a terrace of five units. While Class Q permitted development rights offer a streamlined route for converting agricultural buildings into residential use, they come with several constraints — such as limits on design flexibility, floor space, and material use. By opting for a full planning application, this project has taken the opportunity to deliver higher-quality, architecturally appealing homes, with modern design elements and environmental and ecological enhancements. The removal of existing agricultural structures, combined with improved landscaping, allows for a more thoughtful and sustainable development that exceeds what would have been possible under Class Q. If you are considering a development and would like to explore how the full planning process can help you deliver a higher-quality scheme than would be possible under Class Q, please contact Acorn Rural Property Consultants. https://lnkd.in/e2EunB5Q

A planning inspector has dismissed a section 78 appeal (3330618) against Guildford Borough Council’s refusal to grant planning permission for the demolition of existing Cathedral Close dwellings and erection of 124 residential dwellings with associated works. The Decision follows a nine-day inquiry held in March 2024. The appeal site, which is in the immediate vicinity of the Grade II* listed Guildford Cathedral, is allocated ‘for approximately 100 homes (C3)’. The main issue at the heart of the appeal was the effect of the proposal to the special interest and significance of heritage assets (particularly the Cathedral), with reference to the design and landscape context. Inspector Tom Bristow concluded that the proposal would result in a clear adverse effect to the setting and significance of the Cathedral with reference to design and landscape context (§98). He accepted the Council’s position that the proposal would cause less than substantial heritage harm to the Cathedral towards the middle of the spectrum within that categorisation (§100). The Inspector found that no material considerations in favour of the proposal justified allowing the appeal (§129). The Appeal Decision underlines that the allocation of a site for development is not carte blanche for any development, especially in circumstances where sensitive landscape and heritage considerations are involved. The question of whether a proposal sensitively and appropriately responds to the requirements of such allocations often requires a nuanced and thoroughly evidenced answer. This case also illustrates that there can be a proper role for the consideration of alternative approaches on an appeal site, particularly where the site is allocated and where there is a policy requirement to demonstrate a clear and convincing justification for heritage harm arising (§119-128). Tom Cosgrove KC and Jack Barber were instructed by Michael Elford of Guildford Borough Council. The successful local planning authority assembled the following team for the inquiry: Kelly Jethwa and Laura Howard of Guildford Borough Council (giving evidence, respectively, on Planning and Housing Land Supply), Nigel Barker-Mills of Barker-Mills Conservation (Heritage), Amanda Reynolds of AR Urbanism (Design and Masterplanning), and Tanya Kirk of Hankinson Duckett Associates (Landscape). Read the appeal decision here: https://lnkd.in/egyhjCjh #Planning #HeritageAssets

QLD: Shadesails - do they need a building development approval? A recent debate on a renovation forum involved this issue. So many contrary (and often incorrect) opinions were given, offered and debated: "It's roof isn't solid, so it doesn't need approval"...."It's got no walls, so it doesn't need approval".... "It's a temporary structure, so it doesn't need approval". If in doubt, go to the Building Regulation 2021 which lists development that is either Accepted or Exempt (Schedules 1 and 2 respectively). If the development isn't on one of these lists, it's Assessable and requires a building development approval.

We've spent some time analysing our project statistics recently. A very worthwhile and interesting exercise. In the last 4 years, our planning team have worked on over 105 Class Q planning projects. With that level of knowledge and experience we believe The Rural Planning Co is well placed to help not only our clients but other rural professionals should they need specialist planning advice. We are incredibly proud of our success rate and recently achieved another successful planning approval for a Class Q barn conversion, located on the edge of the Herefordshire border. Led by Hannah Moule, this project will breathe new life into a previously underused space. Our architectural technologist, Nadia Amietszajew MCIAT, has meticulously designed the conversion of this historic Dutch barn into three new dwellings. The design of the conversion has been carefully considered to maximise the use of the space available and ensure the practicality and functionality within the living areas. All within the stipulations of permitted development. Changes to Class Q permitted development rights came into effect on May 21st of this year. The rules now allow for conversion of agricultural buildings into a maximum of 10 dwellings, each with a maximum floorspace of up to 150m2 each, with a maximum cumulative floorspace of 1,000m2. If your clients are considering a Class Q project, please don't hesitate to contact us for specialist advice on 01299 667344 or email hello@theruralplanningco.co.uk #ruralplanning #ClassQ #classqbarnconversion #herefordshire #ruraldevelopment #architecturaldesign

Introduction Hawaii’s unique environment and local regulations make building projects on the islands an exciting yet complex endeavor. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), add a room to your house, or design a new home, understanding the building codes is essential. #ADUlaws #BigIslandbuilding #buildingcodes #cesspoolmoratorium #climateresilienthomes #energyefficiency #ESCPrequirements #firehydrants #greenhomesHawaii #HawaiiArchitecture #Hawaiiconstruction #Kauaibuildingcodes #MauiADUguide #Oahuconstructiontips #ownerbuilderguide #permittingprocess #ResidentialPlanning #ruralconstruction #shorelineregulations #sustainabledesign #urbanbuilding #zoningregulations

↪ Revisions to Building Regulations Part M published..     ↪ An updated Approved Document M a Volume 2 incorporating 2024 amendments. ↪ Updates to the May 2024 Approved Document M, Volume 2 Amendment Booklet have been published following a minor correction. Part M deals with ensuring that people can access and use buildings and their facilities. ❌ Volume 1 - Access to and the use of dwellings attached ADM__V2_with_2024_amendments ✖ Volume 2 – Access to and use of non-residential buildings can be viewed below.. #planning #building #localplan #homes #houses

How can we build faster and more sustainably? The Canadian Province of British Columbia is updating its building code to expand the use of mass timber in building construction. The code will allow for encapsulated mass-timber construction (EMTC) buildings as tall as 18 stories for residential and office buildings, an increase from the previous 12-story limit. These changes will help reduce carbon pollution, support the forestry sector, create jobs, build more homes and lead to more vibrant communities.

❓ Did you know.. that WSUD (Water Sensitive Urban Design) principals are widely adopted in Australian civil construction projects? These principals integrate water cycle management into urban design to enhance water quality and reduce flooding. 🌊 Some of the key WSUD techniques currently used on construction projects in Australia include: ♻ Stormwater harvesting and reuse - for non-potable uses such as irrigation and toilet flushing. 🚽 🌧 Bio-retention systems or Raingardens - used to filter pollutants through vegetation and soil. 🛣 Permeable pavements - used in carparks, bicycle tracks and low-traffic roads, which allow water to infiltrate, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge. 🏡 Green roofs - vegetation on building roofs absorbs rainfall, reduces runoff and provides insulation, also enhancing biodiversity and urban aesthetics. 🚰 Rainwater tanks - collect rainwater for non-potable uses, reducing demand on mains (fresh) water and also reducing runoff. There are plenty more WSUD techniques being used in the industry that we haven't listed above, with new ideas being developed all the time. What have you been using on your construction project? Or what unique or innovative ideas have you seen lately? Tell us about it in the chat. #WSUD #sustainability #reuse #greenconstruction #WaterSensitiveUrbanDesign