Off road parking

Steve2287

Hi guys and gals , I’m in the process of buying an ex council house that has off road parking for three vehicles and a lowered kerb that’s been established since pre 1997 . My conveyancer has told me the parking does not show on the property deeds and there is no permission granted for the council for said parking .I have spoken to the council and they say the parking is not an issue as it’s over the four year rule but would need to meet the highways authorisation for crossing a pathway , and that I should contact reference remission to add to deeds for property the legal department at the council. I would like to know whether there’s a cost to asking the highways department whether it’s safe for me to cross the pavement via the lowered kerb and how much it would be to have the parking included in my deeds .
has anyone come across a similar situation and if so was it a long process to resolve as I am buying the property because it can accommodate three vehicles but if too costly to get these permissions I may have to,pull out of buying it and resume my search for another suitable property 

canaldumidi

Yes there's a cost.

And no you should not have raised this with the council.

Had you not raised it, then indemnity insurance (against the unlikely event of the council taking action against you for parking there/crossing the pavement) would have been a sensible option.

Not now though, neither for you, the seller, nor any future buyer....

user1977

When you say "the parking does not show on the property deeds", do you mean the vendor doesn't own the land on which they park? Or something else?

sheramber

Does your council website give information on how to get permission for a dropped kerb?

My council does.

I am in the process of doing this.

The council said to ask   the highways department   for permission for a dropped kerb. who would send out the necessary application forms if agreed.

 Someone inspected site ( they did it from Google) and agreed they had no objection, sending the forms with their reply.

There are strict restrictions on who can do it.

I contacted a local company who complete the forms( on your behalf.   The forms require    technical   dimensions etc for the dropped kerb and lots of information from the company about insurance etc). That cost £98 but varies according to council. A neighbouring one charges over£400.

Once he gets permission it  has to be done   within a stated timescale.

I asked planning about permission to monoblock  the front garden to park there and was told as long as it was a permeable surface I it was permitted development and did not need  permission.

I assume the council has details of the application/permission to the company.  Nothing has been issued to  me except sending the forms , which they only do if they agree to it being done.

I am in Scotland if that makes any difference.