Where to go for advice about whether an extension is possible before buying

TB26

I am looking for a two bedroom flat, however as prices are so high I am now started looking at one bedroom ones that I might be able to extend. There is a flat in the right area that is a purpose-built ex-council flat, in a three story high small block. The flat comes with a very private large garden, that the estate agent suggests might be possible to extend. I would, however, like to check with an expert first before even considering an offer.

How do I go about finding the right person to ask? Should I contact the planning department and ask them, or should I ask an architect? Should I be asking the architect for something particular - a consultation or something? I am happy to pay, but just not sure who to go to?!

Thanks.

Annie1960

Start with your planning department, who may or may not be helpful. They seem to vary considerably from one council to another.

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

Local authority planning departments are the embodiment of everything that's wrong with the public sector. By the time you get an answer, the property will have gone.

For meaningful advice, ask a planning consultant, or a solicitor that specialises in planning law. They cost money, but then the best advice does.

TB26

Thanks for the advice - I will give them a call tomorrow to see if they are helpful or not! I just want to be sure it is even remotely feasible or whether it is a complete waste of time even considering it.

G_M

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays wrote: »

Local authority planning departments are the embodiment of everything that's wrong with the public sector. By the time you get an answer, the property will have gone.

.

Rubbish.

I can walk into my council offices tomorow and ask to see a Planning Officer. I will have to wait between 5 minutes and ha;f an hour - not bad with no appointment.

I can then explain my plans and he'll give me an informal opinion, and/or make alternative suggestions.

This of course assumes I take enough information for him to understand my intended plans:

* OS map showing location
* photo of the property
* Plan of intended extension (not a surveyors plan, literally back of an envelope is OK as ling as it is clear)
* perhaps photo of the street and/or neighboring extensions to compare
* google earial view
etc

TB26

If a planning consultant is the most sensible way of being certain - do I need to find a local one or will I be able use one that perhaps offers an online service (I am in London if it makes any difference)

Hoploz

Extending a flat, you'd be leasehold and would need permission from the freeholder to do so. This could go either way.

You don't need a planning consultant, you just do as GM says and visit the local council to have a quick chat (armed with the info above) You ask to speak to the Duty Planning Officer. You can also phone up, but then they could only give you more generalised information.

TB26

G_M - do all councils offer a walk in service? You have suddenly reminded me that this was something I did years ago for a different council and it was great.

I am looking up Hammersmith & Fulham, but it doesn't seem to suggest it offers that - only a service that has a 10 day turnaround. I could put in a offer subject to the discussion I guess.

G_M

TB26 wrote: »

G_M - do all councils offer a walk in service? You have suddenly reminded me that this was something I did years ago for a different council and it was great.

I am looking up Hammersmith & Fulham, but it doesn't seem to suggest it offers that - only a service that has a 10 day turnaround. I could put in a offer subject to the discussion I guess.

Perhaps not.

I admit I was countering bluebirdman's rather excessivley negative view of the public sector (and no, I don't work for the PS!).

Councils do vary in their procedures and some may need an appointment, and/or may charge for their time. They are pretty broke after all!

TB26

I take that back! I have found a booking service with them for a general chat, so have booked an appointment for next week following my second viewing on Saturday.

Thank you for all the advice - I will let you know how I get on.

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

G_M wrote: »

Perhaps not.

I admit I was countering bluebirdman's rather excessivley negative view of the public sector (and no, I don't work for the PS!).

Councils do vary in their procedures and some may need an appointment, and/or may charge for their time. They are pretty broke after all!

Do you deal with them every working hour, of every working day? My OH does, and I fully trust what she says about their working practices and desire to actually give a toss about the public, for whom they're supposed to serve.

I wonder how on earth we ended up with a frightening shortage of accommodation where it's needed....