We applied for and got planning permission for a small rear extension just before Covid and then faced a pretty lengthy delay with actually getting the work done but finally started summer 2022. During the foundation work a large drainage manhole was discovered under what was our patio and we had to get inspections and permission to build over it. It did mean we had to slightly reroute some pipes and for that we had to put in an amendment to the building warrant which is still showing on the council planning portal as undecided.
Since then we have continually chased our planning officer every few months for an update on what we need to do next as the build is finished except for a few bits. Finally my husband sent a query in via their website contact form which has made its way pretty quickly to our planning officer. It turns out she got married and changed her email address to her new name without telling any of her cases or an auto message with her new address. She has no access to her old account and hasn't seen any of our emails!
She is now asking for various photos from us and plans related to the build from our architect. Photos we probably have although she has clearly replied without checking the details as she has asked for photos of the steel work (it a fully wooden frame) but our architect has since been through cancer treatment and subsequently retired with a terminal diagnosis, hence us not pressuring him to keep on top of the council all this time.
We obviously have work to do to get the building warrant approved and the final certificate of completion but I wonder if a formal complaint to the council over the delay caused by their lack of communication and admin would be worthwhile and if so before or after we have everything signed off?