Found what might be the perfect property but….

[Poppie2023]

Hi mumsnetters,

As the title states, I found a property I really like which is semi detached. The neighbouring property on the same side where the property is detached is a house conversion split in to two flats. However, when looking at their garden from the upstairs bedroom, I noticed what appears to be a very large type of outhouse taking up the whole length of their garden. So garden is out of use. I then looked on Google Earth to see what it shows and saw some additional objects in the second garden which I believe also belongs to the same landlord based on the layout of the conversion we saw. I understand it’s their garden and their property, however my concern is about any noisy type of business activity or hazardous liquids.

I would like to make enquiries with the vendor and the local council but know that this property is very likely to go during this time. Do you have any ideas what this might be? and would you make an offer? Please see the attached image looking at the red X which is the outhouse and the objects alongside which looks like bin bags.

Something that big that takes up the whole of the outside space would need planning permission, have you checked what planning permission has been granted to that property?

Just to clarify the property I’m interested in, is freehold semi detached next door.

Yes, get on your local council's planning portal and have a dig around.

I would make enquiries with the vendor, but even then I think that would be an absolute no from me!

@CatherinedeBourgh thanks for your super quick response. I have to wait until after the bank holiday. Worried it may go whilst I am querying though.

You can view on your councils website.

You can look up planning permissions online. Google your local council planning department and you should be able to search by address.

Oh, I’m under a different Local Authority. Is their another way I can check?

You can go online to your local councils building control web site. You can put in the address and all developments should be on their which includes the use of the development.

Also just googling the address might bring up some info especially if they are running some sort of business from there.

Thank you for your advise, it is a worry.

I would not want to live that close to anywhere storing what looks to be rubbish. Also, I would question what the garden is like after heavy rain with little soak away next door.

You look on the website of the local authority for the location the house or property is in. It doesn’t have to be ‘your ‘ LA. They are all completely open access .

Thank you, I’ll try this!

Hard no from me too I'm afraid, whatever it is.

Do I have to be a resident or is open to the public as I don’t live in the area?

Whatever it's used for now could change anyway, to be something noisy/annoying. Very strange to take up the whole garden.
We had neighbours who installed a number of large freezers in their normal garage, there was a constant low hum outside, so that would definitely put me off.

Anyone can access it.

My immediate reaction is that looks awful and hopefully it's debris from temporary building work but I don't think so. As well as Googling and checking the planning portal, local Facebook groups for the area are a great source of info

😂😂😂The house i viewed is so lovey.

Thank you so much, I didn’t think of fb but I know it can also be helpful.

Fab. Thank you.

It’s is very strange indeed. Thank you for your advise.

I know how you feel about potentially missing out as we've all been there in one way or another but this isn't a nice Sézane dress on eBay- if it goes, it goes. You have to be sure.

Thank you. I’ll defo be investigating.