Permitted development - evidence?

verytired11

My buyer has asked me for evidence that my loft conversion, carried out in 2012, was permitted development.  I relied on the advice of the loft company that carried it out that it fell within the permitted development rules.  Other than now actually doing all the measurements myself, I am unsure how to provide evidence.  Everything was signed off in terms of Building Regs and the buyer has received the final certificate from me.  He is also asking whether consent for change of use was required.  I have no idea about this.  I realise that this is a non problem in terms of it now being so long ago, but what is the best way to reply to the enquiry?

JJR45

It is a question so a solicitor can sell an indemnity policy 😁.

verytired11

JJR45 said:

It is a question so a solicitor can sell an indemnity policy 😁.

  It looks as if most of the questions are designed to get me to spend money *sigh*.   

user1977

If they accept it was done 9 years ago and there's no enforcement action noted on their search, they shouldn't care whether or not it was permitted development anyway.

anselld

You have given them full building regs sign off which is the only consent required.  (and if you look on these boards more than many other vedors!)   Just tell them there is nothing more.  Dont offer indemnity as there is nothing to indemnify and it would be a complete waste of money.  There is no change of use assuming it is just a normal residential extension, you haven't created a 7 bed HMO or something like that.

JJR45

verytired11 said:

JJR45 said:

It is a question so a solicitor can sell an indemnity policy 😁.

  It looks as if most of the questions are designed to get me to spend money *sigh*.   

Yes, almost like solicitors get comission for selling them.🤔😂

eddddy

I suspect it's just a standard template question that the solicitor always asks.

It's up to you what you say in response to this question - but you shouldn't guess or make things up. Maybe reply with something like:


As far as I am aware the loft conversion falls within permitted development, and this was the advice that the loft conversion company gave me. However, the buyer should only rely on their own investigations, and advice from their own professional advisors.

I attach a copy of the building regs certificate which confirms that the conversion was completed in 2012. On that basis, my understanding is that no planning enforcement action can be taken now, even if there was a breach of planning regulations. However, once again, the buyer should only rely on their own investigations, and advice from their own professional advisors.