What do we do now?

[Bingly]

PLease help!

In 2004 my partner erected a loft. At the time he made an application for planning permission. The property was visited by the representatives from the Council and my partner was given an indication that the permission would be granted. So he went ahead and built a loft. Must be mentioned we live in the reservation area. As it turned out after the loft was built that his application was refused. And he was served with enforcement notice in 2006. He and his then wife made a number of requests to allow them not to bring the loft down as they were expecting a baby. So things were kind of left there.

Now in June 2011 my partner receives a letter from Council demanding the loft being taken down by the July 2006!!!! They threaten prosecution and £20,000 fine.

I have a feeling that it is his ex-wife's work, but what can we do?

[Maydup]

Its not a nice thought, but it will be cheaper to borrow the money against the house or from some other source and have the structure removed. Otherwise you will face the cost of the removal, plus a fine, fees, legal costs and all manner of unpleasant times ahead.

The request was to remove it before 2006, and since they have given 5 years extra time, there is unlikely to be much left in terms of negociation .

[AlBags]

Write and tell them it was demolished in 2006 as requested : )

Problem is in a conservation area .. things are pretty tight .. especially as someone shops you.
I think you will have to remove it or modify it to meet an agreed result.

[AlBags]

I would see what needs to be done to make it comply ..
Then take it from there with council. They may be easier this time .. some regs and requirements have changed.