Building consent for windows in loft rooms

[CooCooCachoo]

Just had an offer accepted on a 3 bed new build. Developer (small, independant builder and 12 houses on development) couldn't get planning for 5 beds but created two rooms and a loo in the loft BUT with no windows fitted. Reason given is that it would have created 5 beds in contravention of planning permission.

I've checked building consent for velux type Windows and if we stick within criteria (not protruding more than 150mm from roof level etc.) I think it should be ok. Obviously paying more than the market price for 3 bed but not 5 bed purchase price so was willing to do work ourselves.

So for any planners out there...does putting in the additional Windows to create two further useable bedrooms sound feasible/usual (slightly cheeky) practice ...or are we being had?

You’ve made the right call by walking away OP. Additional word of caution for future reference, building control officers and planning enforcement officers view the development through different lenses. That means a development can be signed off by BC yet still breach planning permission. Developers are increasingly cunning in how properties are marketed. Do beware, because should a breach come to the attention of planning enforcement AFTER you have purchased, it is the owner that is held responsible, even though the developers may have committed the breach prior to you buying the house. There is also no right of appeal in respect of breach of conditions, and resolving issue can be very costly. If you decide to consider other new builds, I’d strongly advise checking the council website for the planning permission. It’s a public document and readily accessible. You would also be wise to access or request information from planning enforcement to check if there are, or have been any enforcement notices issues against the property. You can do all this yourself, for free, without having to pay a solicitor to do the same.