No planning permission for conservatory implications?

Thesnowman_2

Dear All

We think we've found our dream house, right size and right price. However, on the back of the property there is a lean to conservatory which is approximately 6metres x 3metres windows around the sides, French doors, polycarbonate roof. In addition to this, the house was already extended. In our opinion, the conservatory will be a great playroom/useful extra space however, the sellers have told us that this was built approximately 4 years ago and although they have fensa certificates no planning permission or building regs were obtained at the time. There are external doors leading from the house to the conservatory.

I am worried that although we are still prepared to buy the property knowing no planning permission/building regs obtained is the conservatory legal or could the council make us demolish it or insist we do some kind of works?

Thanks advice appreciated.

bclark

Does it even need either? If there is an outside quality door separating the conservatory from the house then it may not need building regs.

As for planning permission normally conservatories don't need it.

Thesnowman_2

Thanks for response. Is there a time limit in which the council could ask for something to be pulled down? I'm just concerned that if we buy the property they could demand that we do this, especially as this lean to conservatory seems to come out further than permitted size for extension/conservatory at back of house.

kingstreet

Was it within permitted development limits?

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/responsibilities/planningpermission/permitted

LealeaV

Hi,

Currently FENSA do not cover Conservatories, so if they have a certificate then it would only ever be an insurance backed guarantee taken out through FENSA or someone has falsely completed the installation record, to be something other than a conservatory.

http://www.fensa.co.uk/local-authorities.aspx

Looking at the details you've given, I would say that maybe a call to the council would be worth while, as the size of the conservatory alone looks like it exceeds permitted development, and thats without taking into account the already built extension.

They should also be able to advise you on retro-planning permission, and getting the planning permission for it, although it has already been built, that way you would be covered.

Anyway good luck, I'll keep a look out for updates as to what happens!

Thesnowman_2

kingstreet wrote: »

Was it within permitted development limits?

Hi Kngstreet

Although having external doors between it and house it is 6 metres in length from original house by 3 metres wide. It doesn't have an independent heating system either. For us it's actually a great buying point but just hope we wouldn't have to knock it down. According to seller it was built 4 years ago.

societys_child

Last conservatory I built to the rear of my house (9m x 3m) did not need planning permission or building regs ( I checked with the council).

I wouldn't be contacting the council at this stage. AFAIK the time limit for the council to take action is 4 years (that's assuming there is actually any need for them to do so)

kingstreet

What is your solicitor's opinion?

yoyoegg

Once you make the Council aware, the seller wouldn't be able to take out indemnity insurance.

Thesnowman_2

kingstreet wrote: »

What is your solicitor's opinion?

We are instructing our solicitors on Monday just wanted to run it by MSE helpful forum first! We're happy to undertake the purchase as long as we're not told it has to be demolished!

Thanks all:)

kingstreet

I suggest you have a conversation with the solicitor about this before you commit yourself to expenditure you don't want to lose.