Planning application

Mimi86

Hi 
Quick question I'd be grateful for some advice on.
I am in the process of buying a house. The house an extension/ loft conversion done around 1992 (though not had any paperwork to confirm this) and there is no planning application to the LA for this

I have been told that after 30 years it's not really an issue that the LA will come round and ask for the extension to be removed etc and that I can get indemnity insurance for this. Is this correct. Do i need to make sure they send some documentation that the work was done at the time they suggest?

Thanks

user1977

You've been told by...whom?

Yes, it's correct anyway.

The problem is that if there weren't consents, it's likely there isn't any documentary evidence of when it was done. But you and/or your surveyor ought to be able to figure out roughly how old it looks (or you can look at old maps / Streetview etc). Only really matters if it was actually done much more recently.

Mimi86

So this is the information I've had from the seller's solicitor - they and my solicitor currently seem to be getting very aggravated with each other about communication

The information about 1992 is verbal as the owner has passed away and this property is going through probate

diystarter7

OP, consult the council and if its a good/favourable response get it in writing.

user1977

diystarter7 said:

OP, consult the council and if its a good/favourable response get it in writing.

That's terrible advice if the preferred solution is going to be indemnity insurance - as it would be invalid if you've contacted the council about it.

OP, what's your solicitor's advice?

MaiTai

diystarter7 said:

OP, consult the council and if its a good/favourable response get it in writing.

Probably about the worst advice you could give.

You cannot purchase indemnity insurance (if that what your lenders require in the absence of documentation) if the council are made aware 

Section62

Mimi86 said:

I have been told that after 30 years it's not really an issue that the LA will come round and ask for the extension to be removed etc and that I can get indemnity insurance for this.

So long as it isn't a listed building.

And so long as there is reasonable evidence the work was done 30 years ago, not in the last 4 years.

Section62

user1977 said:

diystarter7 said:

OP, consult the council and if its a good/favourable response get it in writing.

That's terrible advice if the preferred solution is going to be indemnity insurance - as it would be invalid if you've contacted the council about it.

OP, what's your solicitor's advice?

If only there were a "Terrible advice" button similar to the 'Spam' one.

hazyjo

Section62 said:

user1977 said:

diystarter7 said:

OP, consult the council and if its a good/favourable response get it in writing.

That's terrible advice if the preferred solution is going to be indemnity insurance - as it would be invalid if you've contacted the council about it.

OP, what's your solicitor's advice?

If only there were a "Terrible advice" button similar to the 'Spam' one.

There's a "legal grey area" one under the 'report' button, but guessing this doesn't quite fit.

"Helpful suggestions" aren't always the way to go in situations like these as the consequences can be damaging. Been there myself when it came to losing the chance of an indemnity policy cos I jumped straight in with both feet (many moons ago).

Zerforax

Speak to your solicitor and see what their advice is.

HRH_MUngo

Loft Conversions don't usually need planning permission unless there is a dormer at the front.  However, I say usually.  If the house is listed or in a Conservation area, then it probably will.

However, they all need Building Regs; however I don't think it is a problem if it was built in 1992.  Just get your indemnity insurance.