Hello All
I really hope that someone out there can give me some useful advice on this matter.
I bought a 3 bed semi 3 years ago. I had a survey carried out which pointed out that that my solicitor should check that the rear one storey extension had the necessary planning/consents in place. I mentioned this to the solicitor via email. No walls were removed - only the original french door and kitchen door leading to the garden. The kitchen was then moved into the extension.
The sale proceeded, and on the day of the exchange I happened to mention, as you are supposed to do I guess whether searches contained the necessay paperwork. He said the searches did not show anything.
He explained that Building Imdemnity Insurance could be obtained and paid for by the vendors. I accept, as the extenion was built around 20-25 years ago. The survey did not point out any problems with extension. The solicitor also explained that the LA could not start any enforcement for lack of PP or BC
Now 3 years later I wish to remodel the extension and put in a new kitchen and perhaps replace the flat roof with a pitched one, together with a roof light or two. I may also move the french doors onto the garden along a bit to give me more space on the kitchen side of the room.
My problem is that I probably need building consent for this, or maybe planning permission, and now reading the insurance docuement it will be voided if the council get knowledge of the works done long ago.
Where do I go from here, an I stuck with this situation, as I would like to have things above board. What would the LA do when I notify them of the new work. I do understand that the LA cannot enforce me to take my existing extension down due the time passed, howeve, I dont want a situation where once they are notified, will not sign any new work off. I really am confused about what to do next. basically I am a little annoyed with the solicitor for not advising with me about my options. at the time. He said nothing about problems that could arise. Buyer beware seems to be the key phrase mentioned before.
Anyway back to my story. What I would like to know is what I can do for the best. Would the La grant planning permission and BC pass the new work on its own merits or would they start raising the issue of the past work. I guess this sort of thing must have come up before. Any would be really useful .
Many thanks - sorry for the long post.
I really hope that someone out there can give me some useful advice on this matter.
I bought a 3 bed semi 3 years ago. I had a survey carried out which pointed out that that my solicitor should check that the rear one storey extension had the necessary planning/consents in place. I mentioned this to the solicitor via email. No walls were removed - only the original french door and kitchen door leading to the garden. The kitchen was then moved into the extension.
The sale proceeded, and on the day of the exchange I happened to mention, as you are supposed to do I guess whether searches contained the necessay paperwork. He said the searches did not show anything.
He explained that Building Imdemnity Insurance could be obtained and paid for by the vendors. I accept, as the extenion was built around 20-25 years ago. The survey did not point out any problems with extension. The solicitor also explained that the LA could not start any enforcement for lack of PP or BC
Now 3 years later I wish to remodel the extension and put in a new kitchen and perhaps replace the flat roof with a pitched one, together with a roof light or two. I may also move the french doors onto the garden along a bit to give me more space on the kitchen side of the room.
My problem is that I probably need building consent for this, or maybe planning permission, and now reading the insurance docuement it will be voided if the council get knowledge of the works done long ago.
Where do I go from here, an I stuck with this situation, as I would like to have things above board. What would the LA do when I notify them of the new work. I do understand that the LA cannot enforce me to take my existing extension down due the time passed, howeve, I dont want a situation where once they are notified, will not sign any new work off. I really am confused about what to do next. basically I am a little annoyed with the solicitor for not advising with me about my options. at the time. He said nothing about problems that could arise. Buyer beware seems to be the key phrase mentioned before.
Anyway back to my story. What I would like to know is what I can do for the best. Would the La grant planning permission and BC pass the new work on its own merits or would they start raising the issue of the past work. I guess this sort of thing must have come up before. Any would be really useful .
Many thanks - sorry for the long post.
