I live in a rural location with only one neighbour and I am considering putting a roof terrace on our own flat roof that already exists. My neighbour has no problem with this but it would allow us to see over part of their garden so I understand this means we are not likely to get planning permission.
To create the roof terrace we would remove the existing old flat roof, reinforce and cover with suitable material and add a hand rail to the required height. We would also need to change a first floor window to a door to create access.
I think I am correct saying that once the work has been done and remains in place with no objections for 4 years we can then apply for a 'Lawful Development Certificate' just so long as we can prove its been 4 years.
Although not having planning permission is far from ideal my other concern is around getting building regs for which I have the following questions:
1) If I apply for building regs now is it likely to alert the planning department in your experience?
2) If I used a tradesman from a 'competent person scheme' does this still alert the same people at the council to the building changes and therefore the planing department?
3) Can building regs be applied for retrospectively after the 4 year rule?
Is this just a really bad idea in your experience!?!
To create the roof terrace we would remove the existing old flat roof, reinforce and cover with suitable material and add a hand rail to the required height. We would also need to change a first floor window to a door to create access.
I think I am correct saying that once the work has been done and remains in place with no objections for 4 years we can then apply for a 'Lawful Development Certificate' just so long as we can prove its been 4 years.
Although not having planning permission is far from ideal my other concern is around getting building regs for which I have the following questions:
1) If I apply for building regs now is it likely to alert the planning department in your experience?
2) If I used a tradesman from a 'competent person scheme' does this still alert the same people at the council to the building changes and therefore the planing department?
3) Can building regs be applied for retrospectively after the 4 year rule?
Is this just a really bad idea in your experience!?!