Meeting with Building Department

We have met with the Building Department. While they seem to agree with our interpretation of the building regulations and gave us a lot of sympathy, we've been told that we must follow whatever advice the Preservation Department gives. The reason is that it is pointless for the Building Department to decide against the non-binding advice of the Preservation Department because the latter has a right to appeal to the County Administrative Body (Fylkesmannen), who we are told generally rubber stamps the Preservation Department advice.

So now we are left with the advice of the Preservation Deparmtment which tells us we cannot disturb any of the four exterior walls or the ground level surrounding the house. The only alternative they appear to have left us is to build a 'detached' addition, connected to the existing structure by a hallway.

We're over our heads now so we're looking for an architect.