My neighbour and I were recently granted permission on a joint application for a single story rear extension on both our semi detached properties. One of the conditions was that the build should happen as a single building operation (i.e. both extensions should be built simultaneously) so as to avoid a situation where one extension gets built and the other doesn't.
We are now ready to start our side of the build but our neighbour's plans are to proceed at a much slower rate as funds become available. I spoke to the planning officer and he said that if our neighbour had at least started their build (e.g. the party wall and foundations on his side) the council would be unlikely to take any action. To assess compliance anyway, they would need a complaint from a resident, something that is very unlikely to happen.
There may be scope to have the condition revised, but I guess if we go down that route we've sort of shown our hand if it gets refused and we build at different rates anyway (i.e. more reason for the planning officer to think we're being bloody minded and throw the book at us).
My real question is, if my neighbour never gets round to building his side of the extension, will there come a point when my side of the structure becomes a legitimate extension anyway or could the council rightfully come round and ask me to knock it down 20 years from now? I know conveyancing solicitors are all over this sort of thing, and I would hate to end up with an unsaleable house.
We are now ready to start our side of the build but our neighbour's plans are to proceed at a much slower rate as funds become available. I spoke to the planning officer and he said that if our neighbour had at least started their build (e.g. the party wall and foundations on his side) the council would be unlikely to take any action. To assess compliance anyway, they would need a complaint from a resident, something that is very unlikely to happen.
There may be scope to have the condition revised, but I guess if we go down that route we've sort of shown our hand if it gets refused and we build at different rates anyway (i.e. more reason for the planning officer to think we're being bloody minded and throw the book at us).
My real question is, if my neighbour never gets round to building his side of the extension, will there come a point when my side of the structure becomes a legitimate extension anyway or could the council rightfully come round and ask me to knock it down 20 years from now? I know conveyancing solicitors are all over this sort of thing, and I would hate to end up with an unsaleable house.