Extending/altering a house without planning permission

[Polotoo]

Hi all, a quick question I'm hoping someone can answer for me! I don't know where I got this idea from, perhaps a dreamt it but hopefully someone can tell me if its true or not.

If you alter your property and do not apply for planning permission, if there are no objections within 7 years, the council cannot force you to apply for retrospective permission?

The reason I ask is that a neighbour has put in an additional window (doesn't overlook any other properties), and did not apply for permission, as genuinely (or perhaps I'm just gulliable) did not realise they had to. I also know of another property where they are carrying out a loft conversion without permission - what's the worst that could happen, and does this 7 year rule thing exist? I don't understand how it would work!

Anyone can point me in the right direction with some solid info.

Thanks a lot, Polotoo

[smurfchops]

I think it is 12 years, but if you know they haven#t applied for permission, and it is encroaching on your land or your view, let the council know. It is illegal not to get permission from the council, and not worth it as the council could get your neighbours to destroy any extensions without permission. I can't see the point in doing all the work and spending all the money, without getting permission first.

[BillyNoMates]

With particular regard to a loft conversion, planning permission is required to ensure safety foremost. A loft conversion is a major addition to any property and if not carried out with permission and involvement from a Building Inspector, the results could be quite catastrophic.

[stanleyman]

There seems to be a confusion between planning consent and building regulation approval. It is not illegal to start work without planning permission if actually needed but it is illegal to ignore an enforcement notice. Most things domestic are beyond enforcement action after four years anything else is ten years and retrospective planning consent can be applied for if needed. Building regs approval can also be regularised retrospectively.

[buildersmate]

With regard to loft conversions, it is Building Regulations approval that is always required. Planning Permission may also be required. Planning Permission is not associated with safety issues - Building Regulations approval is.

[Hgrove]

There is something called Permitted Development Rights which means that you can extend your house up to a certain size (can't remember how much exactly) without planning permission. You can do this as of right. In your case perhaps you should inform the planning department at your local authority.

[Polotoo]

Hi all, thanks for all your responses.

Someone has reported the loft conversion to the council, as they've put windows in all over the show, and it all looks a bit of a mess/bodge job - glad they don't live next door to me!

The neighbour with the additional window, to be honest I don't think anyone else has noticed, as they are not overlooked at all and in order to see it you'd have to go into their back garden, so I think they are just gonna take their chances with the council finding out.....