Planning Permission/Building Regulations Approval

[CaptainSlow]

Hi,

Are their any planning officers/architects/other knowledgable people that could help with a problem I have?

I am currently in the process of purchasing a property that has had development work done to it. I have just found that Planning Permission and Building regulation approval was not gained. I believe the work was carried out approximately 20 years ago.

The house originally was a two storey semi. The house is built on a slope sloping down from front to back (the ground floor at the front became the second storey at the rear with a storage area below). The storage area was converted into the kitchen and a further half width extension added.

Now I beleive an indemity can be purchased in regards to any future planning problems. What could be done to cover off the building regs? Is there a time limit on any unapproved works? I was thinking of getting the vendor to pay for a full structural survey. Or should I just walk away?

Any help appreciated

Captain

[Sam_68]

After that length of time, you don't need to worry about either Planning or Building Regulations - there is no risk of enforcement action being taken on either.

[jamesuk28]

Yep relax I think the cut off is around 8 years but stand to be corrected. In either event you are pretty safe although you may need to get a statutory decleration from a neighbour previous owner stating how long the structure has been erected.

[CaptainSlow]

ok thanks, I'm a bit nervous that this will cause me a problem when I come to sell the house.

[billsnemesis]

Cut off for planning is 10 years unless the change is from non-residential to residential in which case I think it is four years

Technically there is no cut off for compliance with building regulations and if there is any deficiency in what was done then you will find that it has to be brought up to standards that apply now.

Realistically the chance of anything happening after 20 years is low but it can rear its ugly head if you plan to do more work. If that uncovers a problem you may have a bigger job on your hands than you bargained for

[Red V8]

Might depend on where you live, i.e. I'm just selling a property in Scotland which had major extension in the 70's and solicitor is chasing for a copy of the original extension plans etc.