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Property/DIY

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Garage Conversion and Lawful Development Certificate

5 replies

TodaysFishIsTroutALaCreme · 17/02/2021 16:18

Strap in - this could be long and very boring

We are getting a garage conversion done for an extra living space/bedroom. We are having it done to building regs and it will be fully signed off etc.

I spoke to my local planning department about the change of use and she told me that because the garage was attached, it would fall under permitted development. She said if I wanted to do it all formally that ideally I could do with a Lawful Development Certificate as sometimes Solicitors want them when you sell your house. She did say most people don't bother.

Now, if we didn't have bad luck then we wouldn't have any luck at all so I am a little twitchy about NOT getting the Lawful Development Certificate tbh as I would hate for it to bite us on the arse in later years, but some people I have spoken to have said not to bother and its not worth the price. Indeed, all my neighbours who have had conversions done have not gone down the route of certification.

So I am basically canvassing opinions here. Do we bother or not? If we dont need one, and we could just get an indemnity policy instead then that will save some money and many many hours of drawing for the plans that need submitting. Or has anyone that you know of done similar under permitted development but have subsequently had issues when remortgaging or selling?

TIA

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DevilDamo · 17/02/2021 17:56

As you’re having drawings put together for BR’s, why not submit a LDC application at the same time? It’ll only cost you £103.00 to submit it and it’d be more expensive and hassle should you choose to not do it now or deal with it as and when. It’s not going to stop you from starting as it’s literally a formality.

TodaysFishIsTroutALaCreme · 17/02/2021 18:36

Hi Devil

The inspector told us we didn't need drawings for BR. I think for the sake of £150 quid (115 in our council plus location plans etc) you are right. I suppose better have them then not.

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Mildura · 17/02/2021 18:40

I think that’s the right call. For the small amount of money involved, get the certificate.

Catmummyof2 · 17/02/2021 22:17

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

TodaysFishIsTroutALaCreme · 18/02/2021 07:30

Thank you all. I absolutely agree. Worth getting it done for the small amount of money and a weekend of drawing.

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