Bickenhall Mansions w1
Designated higher-risk building (HRB)
Bickenhall Mansions, situated on Bickenhall Street in the heart of Marylebone, London W1, is a distinguished Victorian mansion block comprising 223 unique and spacious apartments. Occupying 1.8 acres in a prime residential neighbourhood, it offers residents proximity to Regent’s Park, the shopping amenities of Marylebone High Street, bustling Oxford Street, and excellent transport links at Baker Street.
Whether you’ve been a resident for years or have recently acquired an apartment, planning a refurbishment in Bickenhall Mansions now requires adherence to stricter safety regulations. The introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 has brought significant changes to how refurbishments are approached in higher-risk buildings like Bickenhall Mansions. Ensuring compliance is essential to protect your investment and enhance the safety and comfort of your home.
Understanding the Building Safety Act 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022 was enacted to enhance safety standards in residential buildings, particularly those over 18 metres tall or with seven or more storeys. This legislation established the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and introduced the role of the Principal Accountable Person (PAP) to oversee building safety compliance. For residents of Bickenhall Mansions, this means that any refurbishment plans must align with these enhanced safety standards, from initial design to final execution.
For residents of Bickenhall Mansions, this means that any refurbishment plans must align with the enhanced safety standards, from initial design to final execution. Whether you’re making minor upgrades or undertaking more substantial works, ensuring compliance with the Act is now a crucial part of the process.
What is a Higher-Risk Building?
Bickenhall Mansions qualifies as a higher-risk building under the Building Safety Act 2022 due to its height and number of storeys. This classification necessitates additional oversight to ensure that refurbishments meet stringent safety requirements, safeguarding all residents by maintaining fire safety measures, ensuring structural integrity, and preventing modifications that could compromise the building’s safety.
These regulations are in place to protect all residents by maintaining fire safety measures, ensuring structural integrity, and preventing any modifications that could compromise the building’s safety.
Why is this important?
Refurbishing in Bickenhall Mansions now requires careful planning to align with the Building Safety Act 2022. All alterations, from kitchen upgrades to structural changes, must comply with these enhanced safety standards. Certain types of work may require approval from the BSR or consultation with the PAP, especially modifications affecting communal areas, fire-resistant materials, or structural elements. Ensuring compliance protects your investment and contributes to the overall safety of the Bickenhall Mansions community.
Certain types of work may require approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) or consultation with the building’s Principal Accountable Person (PAP). Any modifications affecting communal areas, fire-resistant materials, or structural elements must be reviewed to ensure they do not compromise the safety of the entire building.
With Antarris, you can rest assured that every detail of your project will be managed to meet compliance requirements while achieving your desired outcomes.
Steps to Take Before Starting Your Refurbishment
Confirm Whether Your Building Is Higher-Risk
As a resident of Bickenhall Mansions, your first step is to confirm the building’s higher-risk status with the building management or the PAP. This ensures you fully understand the regulations and how they apply to your planned refurbishment project.
Understand the New Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the safety measures required under the Building Safety Act. Certain types of work, such as structural changes or modifications to fire-resistant materials, may be restricted or require additional approvals. Identifying these requirements early will help you plan effectively and avoid unnecessary delays.
Consult the Principal Accountable Person (PAP)
The PAP plays a vital role in overseeing building safety compliance. Before starting your refurbishment, provide detailed plans for their review and approval. The PAP will assess whether your project aligns with the building’s safety protocols.
Hire Qualified Professionals
Working with qualified professionals is essential for ensuring compliance. At Antarris, we have a team of experienced architects, designers, and contractors who specialise in refurbishments for higher-risk buildings like Bickenhall Mansions. By choosing trusted experts, you can ensure you obtain the approvals for your project and it is executed to the highest standards.
Apply for Necessary Permissions
For higher-risk buildings like Bickenhall Mansions, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) acts as the building control authority. This means that your plans must meet the BSR’s stringent safety requirements before approval is granted, particularly for structural changes, fire safety measures, or modifications to communal systems.
Additionally, as the apartments in Bickenhall Mansions are likely leasehold properties, you will need to obtain a licence to alter from the freeholder or managing agent before proceeding with any significant refurbishment. This legal document specifies the scope of your planned works and ensures compliance with the lease terms. Securing a licence to alter may require submitting detailed plans, specifications, and contractor information.
At Antarris, we simplify this process by liaising with the BSR, freeholders and managing agents on your behalf, ensuring all necessary permissions are obtained smoothly and efficiently.
Common Refurbishment Projects and Considerations in Bickenhall Mansions
In Bickenhall Mansions, popular refurbishment projects include modernising kitchens and bathrooms, replacing flooring, and upgrading balconies or windows. Internal alterations, such as removing walls, require consultation with a structural engineer to ensure compliance with safety standards.
External modifications must adhere to fire safety regulations, and balcony upgrades or window replacements often require approval from the PAP. Electrical and gas works should be completed by certified professionals, such as NICEIC-registered electricians or Gas Safe engineers, to meet current safety requirements.
Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with the Building Safety Act regulations can have serious repercussions for homeowners in Bickenhall Mansions. Non-compliance may result in fines, legal notices, or the need to undo completed work. It could also void your home insurance and deter potential buyers, negatively affecting the value of your property.
Additionally, as a leaseholder in Bickenhall Mansions, you are required to obtain a licence to alter from the landlord (freeholder) before starting any significant refurbishment. This licence will not be granted unless you confirm that the proposed works will also obtain approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). Without both permissions, proceeding with refurbishment could result in legal disputes and project delays.
By ensuring all necessary approvals are secured, you protect your investment and contribute to the safety and compliance of the building. At Antarris, we assist with navigating these processes to ensure your project meets every requirement, allowing you to proceed confidently and efficiently. At Antarris, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to quality, helping you achieve your refurbishment goals while maintaining compliance with all regulations.
Why Choose Antarris for Your project?
At Antarris, we specialise in helping homeowners in higher-risk buildings like Bickenhall Mansions navigate the complexities of refurbishment projects. With our in-depth knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022 and years of experience in high-end refurbishments, we are the trusted choice for ensuring your project runs smoothly from start to finish.
We offer a full-service approach, including design, planning, obtaining necessary approvals, and executing the work to the highest standards. Whether you’re upgrading your interiors or undertaking structural changes, Antarris is here to guide you every step of the way.
By choosing Antarris, you’re not just improving your home—you’re investing in its safety, compliance, and long-term value.
Contact Us Today
If you’re planning a refurbishment in Bickenhall Mansions, contact us for a personalised consultation. Let us help you bring your vision to life while ensuring your project adheres to the highest standards of safety and compliance.
