How many of you would want PP before you bought?

silvercar

Although in reality you will probably be able to enjoy the flat in the same way as the sellers have done so, the risks insorting the legals out may be too high.
Especially if it is the freeholders who may object to the current layout rather than just the council.
If the sellers are convinced there will be no problem in sorting it out - let them sort it out.

FilthyLuka

silvercar wrote:

I wonder why you have been told you need planning permission from the council to do internal alterations to a flat. Building regs consent if you move the kitchen or bathroom but why council PP? Permission from the freeholders or their agent, then yes - but why do the council get involved?

it may be due to intensifying the use of the building

1 bed flat made into 2 bed = let to 2 single people = 2 cars and parking spaces needed, and rubbish to collect

50 other flats along the same road copy = huge amounts of parking problems on this street:mad:

and building regs is definately needed

david29dpo

the flat i have just sold, it clearly states on the lease any interior alterations have do be ok ed. i only changed the door handles and other minor things! god knows what would have happened in your case!

hobo28

If I were you, I'd pull out. I wouldn't risk it.

clutton_2

i'd pull out also

itsakidsworld

I would also pull out. It sounds like you are just buying trouble.

The vender told you that retrospective planning was not a problem, so why have they not got it? Just because they are in a hurry does not mean you have to be. It's a buyers market now so you hold all the aces, not the vender.

I would be looking elsewhere as the fact you are unsure really tells you everything you need to know!

natwill_3

silvercar wrote:

Although in reality you will probably be able to enjoy the flat in the same way as the sellers have done so, the risks insorting the legals out may be too high.
Especially if it is the freeholders who may object to the current layout rather than just the council.
If the sellers are convinced there will be no problem in sorting it out - let them sort it out.

Lol...they have offered to draw up a new lease plan which I can then reregister with the land registry..no reduction on price..its share of freehold so they may be able to other freeholders consent...its the council who worry me...In Hammersmith and Fulham they are quite strict and do make people tear down extensions etc according to three local estate agents...Certainly capable of saying no to a 2 bed...change it back and put the kitchen back etc.

I daresay I cd enjoy the flat as it is but when I come to sell on I think it will be difficult..so far damp, building ins problems in lease, vaults problem of demise and this..if market slows then It will be a nightmare trying to get someone to buy it!!

Mrs_Optimist

Cut your losses and run - the vendor sounds like a right cowboy. What else has he cut corners on?

ooobedoo

I don't know if this helps at all, our house was an ex-married quarter, it was two bedroom. One of the rooms was a stupid size as one room so we put a stud wall in, and made it into a three bedroom house.We didn't realise that we needed council approval so we paid £130, the council came round, had a quick look(literally 4 minutes) and said it was fine. This was Portsmouth city council, I don't know if every council is the same but we found it really easy.

Ems*Honie

I think I would seriously reduce my offer,, pull it down to a 1 bed price then take more off in case the council do make you change it back and you have to pay for it. If thats not going to happen then I would walk away, the next place you find will make you glad you did.