Retrospective planning info needed please

Bluefairie56

I have been in my house 13 years and knew when I bought it that there was no planning permission for a converted garage but it didn’t bother me and I had (a pretty worthless) indemnity policy. I thought I would stay here forever but things change and I am now thinking of applying for a regularisation certificate in case I need to sell and to avoid any issues. 

the work was done about 20 years ago. A long garage was divided up and back bit is now a utility area with toilet. From the outside it remains the same. Basically boards have been put up, plastered over, a toilet installed with a radiator off gas boiler,

the council website states that inspectors may need to have parts of the conversion laid bare and its this  bit that worries me. Does anyone have knowledge of what potentially could happen in this respect or if anyone can offer advice?

Kiran

Are you talking about Building Regs instead of planning? Garage conversion is usually considered PD and also wouldn't require inspection of the structure. Personally I'd leave it and if you sell just spend the small amount for an indemnity policy again. You could be opening up a can of worms

Bluefairie56

Yes probably building regs. I know about the can of worms and I just don’t know what to do. If I decide to sell it might cause an issue is what I was thinking 

FlorayG

I had similar done and sold 20 years on ( 2019) and nothing came up on searches, nobody queried why I had a kitchenette where a coalhouse should be. I think you can let it slide, personally. Worry about it if it happens

Bluefairie56

I think it would come up on the million questions they ask now such as are you leaving the stairs on my son’s recent move. There are questions about everything nowadays and I couldn’t lie about it in all honesty

Kiran

Given the age its unlikely to generate any response, also given the fact it was there prior to you purchasing you aren't likely to have the paperwork. You do however seem keen on getting it done so it may be worth a call to your LABC officer and take advice from them. 

GrumpyDil

Pretty certain it will be way out of time for planning enforcement so whilst you may be asked questions about it the answer would be there is no planning permission I am aware of and it has been like that for in excess of x years. At least that worked for me on a previous house sale.