Removing Internal Wall in Flat - Permission Problems

vansboy

Hi All

Buying a 1970's purpose built flat in block.

I'm planning to remove the kitchen/lounge wall in flat I'm buying, but
as yet not seen the lease (999years), so am asking knowing Moneysavers what I can expect to discover, regarding required permissions, who I will need to ask/advise, as well as any costs that might be coming my way from freeholder.

It would be handy to have this info in advance of me getting conveyencer asking, so as to be as organized as possible.

Thanks

VB

xylophone

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/internalwalls/

eddddy

Hi vansboy

Firstly, from a practical viewpoint - what's the wall made of?

Many 1970s blocks of flats were built using reinforced concrete. If that happens to be a reinforced concrete wall, realistically it's a non-starter.

Beyond that it's a case of what it says in the lease. Most leases say you have to ask permission from the freeholder before making structural alterations. (If it says that, there is a presumption that permission must not be unreasonably withheld.) The freeholder will probably charge a fee for granting permission.

But some leases may say you cannot make structural alterations under any circumstances - in which case you will be stuck.

If you get permission from the freeholder, and it's a load bearing wall - it will need a joist put in - you will need to get it all inspected for building regs approval. But your builder should look after all that.