How long do council hold planning records?

[julieh1968]

We are just about to start applying for planning for an extension. We already have a ground floor extension and want to build above. When the original extension was built footings were dug deep enough to allow building above in future if we wanted, ground floor built apx 1985. I have gone back to the council to ask if they have records of the plans at that time to confirm this but they say their records only go back to 1999. I know their online records only go back that far but surely they would have archived records from earlier dates, otherwise I will have to have an inspection hole dig to confirm what I already know no doubt costing thousands. Anyone know how long councils are obliged to keep records - my thoughts are surely they have to keep them otherwise there might be an issue if I sell

They will have the originals archived somewhere. They may be microfilmed which was the way files were kept prior to the internet so you will need an appointment to view them.
However, planning drawings will not show the depth of footings. You need the Building Regulation files for that, and I don't know what information they keep.

Thank you Seeline, I know the build was inspected during construction, hopefully they will hold records as will save me a lot of money

Do you know Would the building regulations filed for the original extension be held with the file or separately?

Planning and building regs files are usually kept separately - different things completely. Can you speak to your Building Control department?

I have spoken to building control who don't keep records back that far but have said it should have been on original planning - will just have to push for them to access their archive

Well as a former planning officer, I think it's unlikely to be on the planning drawings. It's not information that needs to be provided at that stage. I have rarely seen it.

Do you know how much a trial hols should cost? Obviously a small cost in the scheme of things but just annoying when you know that they're ok

No idea I'm afraid.