It is a frustrating space in many ways thanks to building regs (necessitating a landing at top of stairs that we really could have done without) and planning permission (as we are a flat with no PD, all we got was a small recessed dormer - which ironically now looks out of place when viewed from rear because all the houses in the street have full L-shaped affairs). What could / should have been a decent size double is actually a cramped room that's difficult to furnish.

Thanks Martin,thats really helpful.Didnt no about fireglass. All the other points have definately crossed our thoughts . Yes my architect was correct in that a)he did say raise the concerns so was my decision to try plan see if would get passed we have thought about fire escape from back bedroom with back exit from.bedroom coming down fire escape into garden,we havent asked if we could keep flat roof for fire escape roof as architect said likely to refuse as not in.keeping with neighbouring properties but actually i have nothing to lose by asking as also save me money having flat roof as opposed to sloping tiled.I had hoped to pick building regs inspectors brains yesterday on site visit my builder requested solely for this problem. Unfortunately only my builder had chance see him ,he said he really wasnt very helpful he had to put ideas to regs man he wasnt forthcoming in solutions back.I will try contact them again. I dont have huge amount space to play with so not losing inside is paramount.

We had 1960s glass in double sliding doors that we replaced with safety glass when grandchildren came arrived. Shortly after, a friend's wee boy fell downstairs and went through a non safety glass door to a vestibule and cut an artery. You can imagine the panic. Fortunately he was blue lighted quickly to hospital and was ok. We were relieved for them all and glad we had done what we could to prevent an accident like this in our house. I would replace the glass if I were you.

Hi Julie, is your fireplace located at the bottom wall? If this is the case, since you have to remove the fire flue and you are thinking of removing the fireplace, have you considered closing the wall there? This space could be used for storage options, or bookcases, or anything else really, even a beautiful large print. I would, then, place your L-shaped sofa just against the wall that will close the staircase, having the TV in front of it, adding a nice rug, an armchair and a coffee table. Should you wish to get more ideas about your room layout, I offer affordable e-design packages on my website www.amuriinteriors.co.uk Best of luck with your project!