Permitted Development Rights...

[Shelleybob83]

Good Morning

We started to renovate our property in January 2011, before we commenced the work I contacted the local council and explained what our plans were and asked if we required planning permission. The gentleman took our details and rang back to advise no we didn't and that we would be covered by the Permitted Development Rights as all the renovations were internal.

In summary the changes made were;
* Partition wall inserted to half the size of the bathroom to make a bathroom and a study / nursery room (bathroom was left with no window and so a fan has been installed to fit with regulations)
* On the 3rd floor we have knocked down the wall (not supporting) to make a 3rd bedroomn and installed 2 velux windows in each of the rooms on the top floor, neither overlook any properties and both require a step ladder to reach to open them (nb. the house was built as a 3 storey terraced in 1896 and the two neighbours either side have already knocked down their wall to make a 3rd bedroom)

Our house is now on the market and we have had quite a lot of interest. We have instructed our solicitors and they have sent the papework to complete which asks about any work carried out on the property, I was just going to send off a list of what we have completed but now i am worried that we won't be covered by the Permitted Development Rights and I have no evidence to back up the conversation that I had with the council - for which I am kicking myself for now.

Has anyone completed work using the Permitted Development Rights Act? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks
Shell

[The Builder]

Just in case you didn't know of this site, Shelley...........

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/

Click on "interactive house" to confirm your permitted development.

PD is exactly what it says ........ "permitted". You really need to do nothing other than to declare (pre-contract enquiries) the work you have had done, and, just state that it was under PD. You are under no obligation to "prove" this. It's simply a fact.

The trouble is, nervous solicitors for the other side often try to push their luck. At the last resort, but this is your decision entirely, you can apply for a "Certificate of Lawfulness". It's largely a money-making scheme for Planners. It costs almost as much as Planning Consent, and all it does is to confirm your work as legit. It does keep the lawyers happy though :o)

Assuming your house is not Listed, I don't think, from what you've said, that you have anything to worry about.

MUCH more importantly............ have Building Control been involved? (Building Regulations etc)