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Patio or decking

9 years ago

Hi, I'm currently in discussion with local council regarding a patio/ decking off the family room of my house. There is a large easement that runs through the area I wish to build over. The Area is 9600x 5300. The council have advised that they will allow a 100mm concrete slab over the area however if I then wish to put a timber floating floor I will need engineers approved plans etc. it appears the moment I wish to use timber it triggers the Victorian building act which means all this additional work for approvals and applications to build over the easement and of course it becomes cost prohibitive. Even if I wish to just lay sleepers flat on the ground. I full understand the easement issue and it is more than just the standard drainage and sewer and accept responsibility if access is required. What baffles me is if it's a floating timber floor where is the issue, if they are willing to cut concrete to access the pipes how is timber different. The decking is not attached to the house and not actually attached to the concrete. There are no footings or stumps that may cause issues even modular decking from Bunnings is not acceptable I just don't understand the concerns.

does anyone have any advice? Is concrete and pavers the only option.

Thanks

Peter

Featured Answer

siriuskey

9 years ago

Hi Peter your dealing with a council and there are those that still try
to make things difficult, but not knowing Victorian laws I would be
worried about laying the concrete and having an incident that would mean
breaking it up to allow access. would you be allowed (or other) to do
something like the following in sections so that it would be easy to
open up in an emergency cheers

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Comments (6)

Peter Bryceson
Original Author
9 years ago
Hi thanks for the reply, not sure about this one interesting concept. It just appeared that the moment I mention "timber" that I need full detail plans engineer certificates surveyors etc etc and comply with the Victorian building act which does not allow any exceptions. I just don't get the argument that they are concerned about "loading" over the easement surely a 100mm concrete slab is heavier than something like the above image.

thanks Peter
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siriuskey
9 years ago
seems over the top that slab will be heavy, can understand them wanting a plan when building with timber the trouble is the easement. my suggestion to you was to be done in removable sections, ie like the base of a tent?, I guess you aren't allowed to build over any easement so this might work? We had a neighbour with a similar problem some years ago in NSW, he had to cap it. good luck
siriuskey
9 years ago
Why don't you forget about timber and go with the concrete but make it Honed Concrete finish, it's like what you would use indoors but it's not as polished but does show the stone, with some timber furniture and surrounded by lawn and garden it would look great. It's used around pools so not slippery this would work and would look beautiful
Peter Bryceson
Original Author
9 years ago
Yeah been looking at some designs on line definitely worth considering.
Thanks for your help
siriuskey
9 years ago
life's not meant to be easy but this would make it easier and look good at the same time cheers

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