Buying a house BUT possibly no Planning Permission for the garage and conversion

[PaDE]

The valuation report we had on the the house we are buying recommended we check for planning permission for the garage conversion (into an annexe/bedroom) and the building of a double garage.

All we got back from the solicitors was that the supportive paperwork for the conversion and the building work is not available, however the vendors are happy to sign some indemnity insurance.

I read this to be no planning permission has been granted.

I'm annoyed as it's quite late in the game and we are/were looking to exchange this week.

We really don't know what to do. Pull out or accept the insurance?

If there is no planning permission, maybe we could get retrospective planning permission?

What happens if we can't get planning permission? The council are aware of the breach and things have to be reverted?

If I accept the insurance, what happens if we plan to sell 5, 6 or 10 years down the line? will we have to sign indemnity insurance to the new buyers or will the existing insurance cover it?

The house is a 5 bed (annexe as the 5th), if we do sell in a few years time we would like to advertise it as 5 and not 4.

Any thoughts, suggestions?

Thanks

 

[PaDE]

Thanks for the replies.

Nothing showing on the council search.

@robj20, what are the implications if you was to sell in the future and your buyers solicitor questions it?

 

[PaDE]

Shoza, that's what I'm worried about.

The other issue is that we have made plans and want make our own renovations and extend. I feel it could become a can of worms having the council around as they will ping the work already done immediately.

It's a gorgeous house (my first, partners 2nd) and I'm not getting any younger. This appears to be a big kick in the chesters.

 

[PaDE]

Guys really appreciate the replies.

I just spoke to the Mrs who has picked up and read our post at her parents house.

Within this exchange pack, there is planning permission but it looks like they never got it signed off. So that's the old garage attached to the house being converted into an annex and then subsequently a double garage being built next to the house.

All this work took place 15 years ago. This is outside the 12 years posted above and which I've read elsewhere. So it'all been standing long enough for nothing to be undone and long enough for the council to not want to give paperwork out retrospectively....is that correct?

I think, and correct me if I am wrong, all is good. To add (which may now not be relevant) the vendors are happy to sign indemnity insurance.

Champagne back on ice?

 

[PaDE]

Thanks all, I feel a lot better about this now. I read all the paper work last night, jeez had to reread as well.

We've got an appointment with our Solicitor today so off we trot. If all is well and we can get a moving in date agreed then we will be signing to exchange today (deposit already held by solicitor) ..... Happy days!