Planning permission for ‘deconversion’ into single house

Bromley123

Hi everyone - hoping for some advice. We are in the process of buying a semi-detached Victorian house in Bromley. The house was split into multiple flats many years ago. Each flat pays a separate council tax bill. Whilst the postal address of each flat is listed on the Land Registry, there is only one lease and no record of the conversion. If we were to convert the house back into a single dwelling, would we need to apply for planning permission? Many thanks! 

Section62

Bromley123 said:

Hi everyone - hoping for some advice. We are in the process of buying a semi-detached Victorian house in Bromley. The house was split into multiple flats many years ago. Each flat pays a separate council tax bill. Whilst the postal address of each flat is listed on the Land Registry, there is only one lease and no record of the conversion. If we were to convert the house back into a single dwelling, would we need to apply for planning permission? Many thanks! 

I believe the answer is probably 'yes', planning consent is needed.

But even if it isn't it might be worth your while applying, or at least obtain a certificate of lawful development, because you may have difficulties persuading organisations (e.g. utilities, Royal Mail, CT etc) that the building has been converted back into a single dwelling.  Although the planning consent/LDC is not 'proof' the deconversion has been done, it is at least something official you can supply to evidence what you are doing.

You'll very likely also need building regs approval/signoff for some of the work.  The conversion would have required certain features (e.g. fire doors, compartmentalisation) to be installed, and if you are removing them then a BR application/notification may be required (/is advisable) to make sure you stay on the right side of the law.  This might be particularly important for insurance purposes.

user1977

Bear in mind also that a standard residential mortgage isn't going to work for this sort of project (at least not until after you've completed the un-conversion).

Plus the SDLT implications as your purchase will be calculated on the basis of buying several residential properties.

Bookworm105

as they already have separate council tax listings you will obviously need to notify a "merge" for council tax re-banding purposes
Confirm your property details - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

it is probable that the Valuation Office Agency (the people who decide council tax banding - they are not the council!) may inspect that the building is physically altered to remove features that enable it to be used as separate dwellings 

rustysheriff

Hi Bromley123 we are in a similar situation, but the property was converted in 1975 with planning for 2 flats, the house has just the one title and just the Freehold. I'm interested to see if you proceeded with the purchase and wondering how you got on with (a) Planning permission (b) Stamp duty and (c) the deconversion itself. Realise I may need to start a new thread but thought I'd try here first. Thanks In advance.

noitsnotme

rustysheriff said:

Hi Bromley123 we are in a similar situation, but the property was converted in 1975 with planning for 2 flats, the house has just the one title and just the Freehold. I'm interested to see if you proceeded with the purchase and wondering how you got on with (a) Planning permission (b) Stamp duty and (c) the deconversion itself. Realise I may need to start a new thread but thought I'd try here first. Thanks In advance.

The OP last logged on to the forum on 25th May 2024 so you may not get a reply from them.