Planning Question

[Freddytwoshoes]

I have had a wooden building tucked away in amongst trees in a two acre section of my garden for 22 years (not visible by anyone, with its own private lane entrance). Separated from main house by a 6ft wall, question is can I get permission to upgrade to a residence. Mother and Mother in law used to stay there for 14 years on holidays now I and wife spend weekends there as all mod cons in situ. Bedroom, shower and toilet room, lounge with log burner.

[Mamyalynne]

Did the answers last tome not help Freddy?

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Law/Question1760633.html

[bednobs]

It is already a residence by the sound of it. What upgrading do you want to do? Be careful you might have to pay council tax on it! It would be helpful if you star what you want to achieve

[Atheist]

The sensible thing to do is to ask the local planning authority. Don't do anything expensive without their advice being given first. In extreme cases they can require demolition (which I doubt would apply in your case, since the building is already there and has been there long enough to become de facto legal)

[The Builder]

Freddy. As Mamya said... we've dealt with this before.

Atheist knows what he's talking about here. Do have your wishes confirmed by the local Planning Dept. It's easy.
In most cases, Planning breaches cannot be pursued after four years have passed.

What you really should is to talk also to Building Control (usually within the Planning Dept.)
Lack of Building Regs Approval is NOT time-limited.
You may well have to look for retrospective approval (not the end of the world.)