Retrospective Application

[SpringLake]

Unfortunately, we asked Building Control to oversee an improvement to the house, and they have noticed another job which was completed (without permission) a few years ago. They've issued us with a notification for retrospective application for that job (21 days to comply). We did that work, so have no choice but to follow through their procedure, which we will do. That, I hope, will be OK but do we actively disclose the other work that was done at the same time? Anyone been through the same? Any experience or advice most welcome! I can't see much online except for cases where the work was done by a previous owner...

Just giving this a bump for you in the hope someone who knows something comes along soon.

Not sure from your post how many jobs you are talking. Are you saying you asked in building control to oversee a new lintel, while you were there they noticed a new staircase, and now you are wondering if you should also mention removal of a chimney breast? If the two jobs were related (e.g new staircase that leads to a loft conversion) then yes, I think you'll have to mention it, since they will discover it when they come to survey the work. If its totally unrelated (per my example) then no, I wouldnt necesarily (although if you did the work to the required standard, then I dont understand why you wouldnt seek sign-off. You also need it if you ever sell).

Thank you @EstherMumsnet and @origamiwarrior.

We asked the council in to oversee removal of a chimney breast. That's when they noticed the (unrelated) loft stairs... we didn't ask permission at the time, as we were thinking of them as temporary and to apply later as/when we get loft converted.

The other work I refer to was done at the same time as those stairs, in order to make them possible (change of floor layout, incl. a new lintel). So, yes, related, but we're unsure whether declare all on the one form... or to submit only what they've asked for and do the rest in a self-declared, separate form?

Since you are planning to declare it all, I think this is just an administrative question for the Building Control office - would they prefer all on the same form, or two seperate forms.

I think you have a bit of a problem, as the tipping point for a lift conversion is a permanent stair case. So when they come they will want to check every aspect of the work including insulation, floor structure and calculations, sound resistance, fire safety etc etc.
So i wouldn't recommend applying because they will just refuse to issue a certificate anyway.
If the work is dangerous they can issue an enforcement notice but if it isn't then don't get them involved.
If you really want the certificate you would have to either remove the stairs or fully convert to loft including fire doors throughout the protected escape route.

@johnd2 thank you... it certainly does feel like we've hit a problem. We were hoping to work slowly towards the loft conversion, but now that they've sent the notice, we have to respond with something. The idea of removing them (they're wooden anyway so could be reinstated later) might turn out to be best, as we're certainly not ready to finish the whole loft conversion yet. Thank you for that thought. That would still leave us with the first floor layout work (ceiling lintels) to be declared. We're hoping to get an engineer back in asap to help explain what else might be involved.