Finding out about planning restrictions before offering?

[LilLilLu]

There is a house available which we want to offer on, but it is small so only if there is scope to extend it.

The house is link detached on a street of similar style houses, built in 1990. The thing that worries me is that none of the other houses have extensions, despite having quite large gardens. Ideally we would add a rear single story extension and convert the loft. We would also like to pave the front garden to make the drive for 2 cars rather than 1 as it is now. Again only one of the houses has done this which seems strange!

Is there any way I can find out online about any restrictions that are in place? I know they might come up during Conveyancing, but don’t really want to get that far if there is no way to do what we want!

I have searched for planning applications on the street and the only things there were fire conservatories (which were approved)

Ring planning and ask them?

I second ringing planning but they won't engage fully unless you're a home owner.

Is the property in a conservation area or have listed status? It can be tricky in both scenarios.

No not listed or in a conservation area. Looking at the houses, I wouldn’t expect for there to be any covenants/restrictions. But it just seems a bit strange that no one has extended!! Or paved the front garden. Will call planning in the morning.

It could be that the occupants are elderly. I've noticed that this population tend to be much less bothered about large extensions - or flash cars for that matter. When we moved, there were only some modest extensions. As each house sold, the houses got bigger each time!

paving/tarmacing the front will probably be rejected. plus looks bloody ugly
if you want to park your cars you will need water permeable surface or grass pavers.

but yanbu to check before putting in an offer. that's very sensible. look at the planning portal of the council for this road. also download the property title from the register to look up covenants.

You can get copies of the title register for the house on the HM Land Registry website for £3. If there are any restrictive covenants on there, it should be referenced in there.

It's mostly likely restrictive covenants that prohibit changes. Apply for a copy of the title deeds

I second looking at the planning portal, this will show if any PA was turned down. And also check for restrictive covenants in title deeds.

Paving front garden to create off-street parking is considered acceptable in many areas.

Check for any covenants on the property of built in 1990. Could be further development not allowed. Maybe knock on a neighbours door sand just ask if there are any restrictions they know of.

Thanks all- I have got the title from land registry, it was surprisingly painless!! No restrictive covenants on there apart from one about having No noxious or noisy trade manufacture on the property which I’m pretty sure won’t be a problem

Oh no, there goes your plan to start a leather goods factory/nut roasting plant 😁