2 story planning permission

maverick_21

Anyone know if there is there a certain time limit where planning permission is no longer required on a 2 story extension? We are looking at a house and the extension is built for 15 years but it doesnt seem to have permission in place. The extension is approx 165 square feet and has a letter from a surveyor saying it is within guidelines that do not require planning permission but our own surveyor is not convinced about the letter.
Bit concerned about taking it further without the correct approvals...

Flatzie_poo

I'd err on the side of caution with your surveyor on this.

Ring him and ask him why he thinks there's an issue, then discuss all his points it with your solicitor and get their thoughts on how to act.

Gumbo

maverick_21 wrote: »

Anyone know if there is there a certain time limit where planning permission is no longer required on a 2 story extension? We are looking at a house and the extension is built for 15 years but it doesnt seem to have permission in place. The extension is approx 165 square feet and has a letter from a surveyor saying it is within guidelines that do not require planning permission but our own surveyor is not convinced about the letter.
Bit concerned about taking it further without the correct approvals...

It always needs planning to be legally compliant. You could apply for retention permission to keep it.

People always mention the 7 year rule but that is only for wnforcement proceedings. You will still have a non compliant house and the legal search should throw this up and thus your bank will not release funds to mortgage it.

I work in this area so if you want to email me a copy of the letter and/or address I can give you an unbiased opinion.

Two storey extensions can be exempt from planning asking as they are 2m away from the boundary, completely to the rear and are less the 12Sq. M or 20 Sq. M in some cases depending on terrace/semi detached etc.

Never ever work off the sellers surveyor, always get your own to check it out.

kceire

kceire wrote: »

It always needs planning to be legally compliant. You could apply for retention permission to keep it.

People always mention the 7 year rule but that is only for wnforcement proceedings. You will still have a non compliant house and the legal search should throw this up and thus your bank will not release funds to mortgage it.

Out of interest why does it matter (to banks or anyone) if there can be no enforcement proceedings? It's essentially the same thing as being exempt from planning in that it is allowed to stay standing.

Gumbo

Kendrick Hissing Injury wrote: »

Out of interest why does it matter (to banks or anyone) if there can be no enforcement proceedings? It's essentially the same thing as being exempt from planning in that it is allowed to stay standing.

Because enforcement files open on the property will be in the public domain, in so far as the solicitors will find it and currently no bank will lend on a site with enforcement files on it.

I suppose the bank look at it from their point of view, if they had to,sell tomorrow will another buyer take it?

4ensic15

Kendrick Hissing Injury wrote: »

Out of interest why does it matter (to banks or anyone) if there can be no enforcement proceedings? It's essentially the same thing as being exempt from planning in that it is allowed to stay standing.

There are a number of issues.
It cannot be maintained without planning. If there is a compulsory purchase, no compensation will be paid in respect of a part of a structure constructed without planning permission.

On the other hand, if its structurally sound, if you dont have issues with the bank and you dont plan on moving anytime soon, if at all... see if you can get a price reduction.

This is where cash buyers can score.

maverick_21

Thanks for the replies. We have our surveyor taking a look at the extension today so hoping to have some feedback this afternoon.