Garage built without planning permission

emss1992

I’m hoping to get some advice if possible.
were due to move into a new property on 12th January however have only just found out that the previous owners had built a detached garage without prior planning permission. They have said they had guidance from the council about this at the time however regulation has since changed. It was built over seven years ago so the sellers argument is “as it was built over 7 years ago, they wont make you take it down now”.

Our lawyer has asked us to make a call on this to consider if we’re happy to take on the risk.
has anyone been in a similar situation before? 

Teapot55

Just some questions for you I’m afraid:

If the council did make you take it down, would you be able to do it yourselves or would you have to employ a builder?

Or, would you be able to apply for retrospective planning permission and what would the cost be?

And/ or: would you as the new owner(s) incur some sort of fine or penalty?

HillStreetBlues

What is the reason it would need planning permission?

carly

This is quite common.  Get your vendor to buy indemnity insurance in case the council requirements ever  cost you money.  Its quite cheap and I'm surprised your solicitor hasnt already suggested this. 

Nearlyold

If it's a detached garage and does not extend past the original front of the house then no planning permission is usually required