Strange letter re: next doors extension

[huwy123]

hi there,
Had a strange letter from the local planning officer re: next doors proposed extension (hip to gable and rear dormer).
Its says they are deciding if the proposal is lawful based on the use of the property over the last 4 years. It asks if I have any information about the use of the property (over the last 4 years).
Do they just want to confirm that it is a residential house (although they do run a business from there also)?
I was just curious what they are looking for? I can't seem to find this information online anywhere.
Cheers,
Huw

 

[jeds]

I can only imagine they are looking for evidence of residential occupancy. Personally I'd want them to ask a more specific question rather than an open ended 'give us any information' type question. I.e. they could just ask you to confirm, as far as you are aware, that somebody lives there?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Ring ‘em up, tell them that if they won’t put you in touch with the author or get in touch you won’t bother responding.

 

[JohnD]

I wonder if they mean HMO or B&B?

Do you have any objection to the extension? If so, no point in being awkward.

 

[tony1851]

They're just trying to nail the neighbour, and attempting to use you as cannon-fodder.
If you get on with your neighbour, best advice is to ignore the letter.

 

[huwy123]

Thanks for all the responses. What do you mean by nail the neighbour?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Presumably the council are fishing for reasons to not approve this or that .......

 

[JohnD]

or possibly to charge business rates if it is being used as a business, or possibly to forbid it being used for business if it is in a residential area.

 

[SimonH2]

Actually, I'd suggest that if you get on with the neighbour and have no issues with the proposed extension - you figure out what's in the neighbours interest for you to say. Are they, as suggested, just fishing to see if it's been used as business premises so they can turn down the application on a technicality - or something similar ?
Have you spoken to the neighbour ?