I'm trying to buy a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse with a rear extension consisting of a ground-floor utility room with first-floor bathroom above. The vendor has no knowledge/proof of when this extension was built. Our surveyor says the bathroom (first floor) was probably built pre 1950 (when the property was listed ) and the ground-floor utility room added later .
My question is: how do I ascertain that this extension is legal? Due to the fact that there is no time bar on enforcement action, I am concerned that if I need to repair the extension (likely) and apply for LBC to do so, the conservation officer may then say that it contravenes the listing and could insist on it being demolished.
The vendor does not seem keen to approach the council to obtain retrospective LBC for the extension. Our solicitor has suggested indemnity insurance but says that if at any point in the future I have to apply for LBC in order to carry out repairs, this would void the policy.
Has anyone been in a similar situation and did you find a solution? I LOVE the house but am wondering whether I should walk away . Without the extension it would be too small for my family.
TIA for any thoughts
PS Going out for a while but will be back later.
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
Join our Property forum for renovation, DIY, and house selling advice.
Property/DIY
Listed building consent issue - please help!
79 replies
TheTeaFairy · 30/06/2016 10:29
OP posts:
Don’t want to miss threads like this?
Weekly
Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!
Log in to update your newsletter preferences.
You've subscribed!
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.