Would you need planning permission for extension?

[starfish4]

We're hoping to buy a new house in the near future. At some time a 3.2mx2.7m extension has been added onto the rear of the property off the lounge. There is access to the garden from the extension via two glass doors. Would planning permission be required for this? We know others have done something very similar. Just trying to ensure we get all the relevant paperwork.

[sneakyday]

If you google "planning portal home extensions" there is a pretty decent guide to what would and wouldnt need planning permission.

If it is single storey and only 2.7m deep the likelyhood is that it wouldn't need pp but there are other factors to look at.

also if it is over 4 yrs old and you can prove it the planning department couldn't enforce any more (unless it is a listed building or in breach of a planning condition)

[wonkylegs]

It depends on a few things.
A very brief overview of the rules are here

Here are the official rules on permitted development. These are quite detailed.

A slightly easier document to read is this

hope that helps

[WhatWillSantaBring]

Your solicitor should deal with this. They should ask the relevant questions (was pp obtained and please provide copies of relevant paperwork). If they say it was a PD, then you could do the research suggested above to confirm that's the case, but bear in mind that PD rights have changed recently.... I am not sure what would happen if an extension that required pp when erected no longer would, but I doubt the council could take action, as you could apply for retrospective permission.

I would be more concerned with asking to see copies of the building regs approval- to confirm that current safety and eco standards were met.

[starfish4]

Thanks for your replies.

Have looked at the Council's website and it shows all planning applications. There isn't one for the extension. Looking at the portal it may not require one.

With regards to building regs, I thought there would be some especially regarding the stairs which were fitted to gain access to the new bedrooms and bathroom in the loft area. Also, think the dormer windows may have required building regs.

I've just dropped an email to the relevant departments and ask them if they feel an extension would require planning permissions. Also, have asked the Building Control Dept what regs might be required where a loft conversion has been done, also pointing out the other things we think have been done and asking for their comments.

Our solicitor can ask if they have certain certificates and vendor may say no. I just want to be aware if there should be any before we buy.

[wonkylegs]

Even if planning permission wasn't required building regs would more than likely be required, most significant work requires them.
A new bathroom, structural work (to strengthen joists for loft conversion), possibly fire protection and stairs would all require building regs. The windows would require either BR signoff, FENSA certificates or CERTASS certificates.

[Katnipp]

Our house had a conservatory that was altered so it became more of an extension. As a result it should have obtained pp and building reg approval but hadn't. The seller had to buy indemnity policies on both issues before sale went through. So not the end of the world, but you might want to look at the quality of the work carefully. There are timescales that the council can take action within. Your solicitor should be able to tell you more.