Possible problems with my extension

[Lb186]

Hi there,
I’m currently having a wrap around extension built on my property (semi detached). I submitted plans which neither side objected to, the plans were passed and am happy to say the building work is going to plan. We have lovely neighbours and both sides have been very patient with all the noise/disruption etc. My architect submitted drawings into the council, which I’ve noticed are somewhat incorrect. Ie the side elevation shows the kitchen part of the extension running in line with an existing garage at the side of the house, when in effect, the extension is going to be some 1m higher than the drawings show, and it has to be this height to keep the floor levels the same throughout the ground floor level. It also mentions in the planning acceptance that my extension will not be visible from the front view (and of course it will). I’m getting a little worried now as if either neighbour or the council notice that it is in fact higher than the original drawings, will I be made to reduce the height.....can anyone advise as it’s giving me sleepless nights 🙈

[kuniloofdooksa]

Yes you can be made to reduce the height if what us built doesn't match with what is on the plans. This happens regularly.

Get the plans and paperwork changed to reflect what you actually want to happen and go through the process again properly.

[Neolara]

I agree with the poster above. I assume the architect submitted the plans? Or gave you the plans to submit? Sounds like they
have messed up. If so, it's for them to sort out.

[fia101]

Sort out asap as people have said above they can make you undo the work. wouldn’t be immune from enforcement for 5 years. Council may view it as a non material change and not make you submit new plans or application but best to find out now.

[Lb186]

Yes the architect drew up the plans, and the council came out to see things before they passed the plans. Don’t think the architect or the council have noticed that with our home sloping from front to back and that to keep things on the same level at ground floor, the height on the drawings would need to be increased. But who has to pay for this mistake, as surely to planning department that visited me had the architects drawings and should have noticed this, or is the mistake with the architect........this is such a nightmare and I’m going to struggle to pay to change things as the builders told me Friday evening we’re nearly ready for the roof to go on 😱🙈

[Lb186]

Yes the architect drew up the plans, and the council came out to see things before they passed the plans. Don’t think the architect or the council have noticed that with our home sloping from front to back and that to keep things on the same level at ground floor, the height on the drawings would need to be increased. But who has to pay for this mistake, as surely to planning department that visited me had the architects drawings and should have noticed this, or is the mistake with the architect........this is such a nightmare and I’m going to struggle to pay to change things as the builders told me Friday evening we’re nearly ready for the roof to go on 😱🙈

[kedy]

You can do immaterial modification/additions after approval but what constitutes an immaterial modification is subjective, call the council and ask

[Archipops]

Hi. Contact your architect highlighting the discrepancy between his/her drawings and actual site levels and proposed extension height. May be able to resubmit under non-material amendment but I’d agree with some of the people above it’s a little subjective you should ask your architect and if he is unsure, to enquire with the planners. Non-material amendment is more straighforward than submitting planning from scratch but will still take a few weeks to be approved once submitted. The architect should rectify it but the planning fee for non-material amendment for householder applications is £28, which the architect might ask you to cover. Good luck and all the best!

[namechangedtoday15]

FWIW I agree that its very subjective. We applied and obtained planning permission for a wraparound double storey extension (side and rear), think the title was " Erection of part single part double storey side and rear extension". Got quotes and it was much more than we anticipated so ditched the side extension part and just extended at rear.

Contacted Council, was told it was a Non-material Amendment all fine, inspector came out again to check it, spoke to inspector again whilst he was here, said it was a formality, a done deal.

2 days later he phoned to say his boss wouldn't allow it through and we had to submit a full planning application again. The reason was because the title of the application had changed - because it was only "Erection of part single part double storey side and rear extension" it was classed as a material change. Bonkers!

[DancingLedge]

A lot depends on which Council, and possibly which planning officer.
Some will allow really quite big changes as amendments; either quite laid-back, or they know full well that their council will hardly ever take enforcement action, so there's little gain by officers being picky. So don't despair, there may be a simple amendment made.

Other Councils, not so much.

If the Architect drew up plans + handled planning submission, I'd be insisting they sort out the situation they've created.