Permitted development mistake

[Propertyfaux]

Wondering if anyone had advice, built an extension two years ago under permitted development and stupidly followed builders advice. Have now discovered through neighbour that the other neighbour is considering complaining to planning that it should have gone to large extension neighbour consultancy scheme as they have huge objections.
Have checked and we should have as extension is 3.8 metres in depth. Neighbour is not approachable. Now trying to decide if it worth going to council first before they do. Is getting retrospective planning difficult? Also trying to work out what neighbour objections will be.

Check what the rules were then - there was a period of time where the permitted depth was doubled. We built ours 3 years ago and I'm sure it was the case then. Sorry this is happening, must be stressful.

Thanks. Have checked dates, we could build up to 6m but should have informed planning for neighbours consultancy scheme. Feel so stupid, usually always double check but the builder seemed so knowledgable and architect never said a word. Not normally so dumb.

You can't retrospectively get the larger home extension permission (which ends May 2019) and if your neighbour objected, then it's likely the planners would have refused it anyway. Your only option is to either retrospectively apply for planning, or sit tight and get a lawful development certificate when the enforcement period is over. If your neighbour is definitely going to complain then you will need to get the planners on your side.

No surprise they got it wrong. Even the council does. Friend engaged architect who said it was permitted dev. Council consulted...said permitted development. Applied for a certificate of lawfulness and came back planning required.

Interesting about eh neighbour consultancy but I doubt it will make much difference now. I have seen a recent planning application which increased the house size by 150% with huge objections and it still went through. The system is now largely geared to stop nimbysm

I assume you are not in a detached property?

Thanks for the useful info, I have made an appointment with planning going to tackle it head on as the neighbour is apparently going after Easter. Just kicking myself.

No not detached, a semi.

Why is the neighbour only objecting now if you built two years ago?

Sorry didn’t see reply, I don’t think he knew the over 3 metre rule either so when we gave plans, party wall information he took us for our word. Planning have been round and we are applying retrospectively they see no reason for it not going smoothly.

Hopefully it will go through smoothly. It's ridiculous that he is objecting after so long.