Confusion with Larger Home Neighbour Consultation

[Harry Lime]

Hello there. Please can you help.

We are in the midst of a single story extension build on our mid-terrace house Prior to the build we sought permitted development for a 3M extension. During the early days of the build we took the decision to increase this to 4M. We discussed this point with both our immediate neighbours prior to making this change and they both consented.

Because of our ignorance of the planning laws we didn't appreciate this moves us out of PD territory and into Larger Home Neighbour Consultation. We obviously didn't do this in advance so can someone advise the best option please. The Council website (we live in London) suggests applications can't be retrospective, so does that mean our options are going for formal planning permission or keeping quiet and hoping for the best.

Our neighbours have been very supportive of our build, so unlikely to object, but we just want to take the right course of action.

Many thanks for any suggestions

 

[Nakajo]

While it's true that the Prior Notification procedure cannot be applied retrospectively, it's just an opportunity for your LPA to consult with your immediate neighbours prior to confirming that the works fall within the amended PD rules. So, if you can demonstrate that all the immediate neighbours were consulted and are supportive, then I'd be tempted to write to the Council explaining this and carry on.

 

[^woody^]

Yes the options are to apply for full PP, or not.

Neighbour consent is not that much of a consideration for PP, it's all about the local planning policy and whether the extension conforms to that.

You have a situation where the extension is not causing an issue to neighbours, so on that basis there is no need to apply for PP.

If at some future time you might need to apply for PP, then you can do so, and it will not make any difference to applying now or then.

Councils rarely take enforcement action against rear single storey extensions. But you might like to check if your extension does conform to planning policy in the meantime things such as blocking windows, the roof height, and the 45 degree rule if your council applies it.
After four years, the council are time barred from taking any action in any case.

If you think you might be selling with the next four years, then you might want to get permission now to avoid problems at that time.