Small Extension Without Planning

[ryanbiller]

Hi,

I'm currently purchasing a property and the seller has returned the property information form, stating that a small lobby extension was undertaken under the building works section. They then state that no planning permission was required as it was within permitted development bounds of 2m x 1m squared.

Does that sound sensible/legit? I have no idea what followup questions I need to ask. How do I have any idea for example if it might actually be a few mm too big and requires planning permission? Could I ask the seller to buy indemnity insurance for this kind of thing?

I was only going to do a home buyers survey.

Thanks!

Pd still requires building regulations approval bit not full pp.

Ok, so the seller should have evidence of a building regulations approval certificate - which effectively proves no planning was required?

No it would not be proof on itself as br and planning operate independently of each other. A surveyor could determine if it falls with pd but unless there are restrictions due a conservation area or building line, or other substantial extensions, a small porch should be fine. There may be a Certificate of Lawfulness to confirm this.

If the extension had been there for at least 4 years then it’s lawful - exempt from planning enforcement.

Not all porches require Building Regs if they're small enough and the original external door is in place. Check the planning portal mini guide.