Question about enforcement

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bearC

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I bought a house nearly 2 years ago with a extension that didn't get signed off when it was finished. It's was built over 4yrs ago so I believe it's past the period where any enforcement can be taken against it.

My question is if I was to make alterations to the extension would this have any affect on the enforcement rules?

Alterations would be raising the end of the extension so the roof is more flat so I can fit patio doors in at the end. Along with the brick work and patio doors I would look at installing a rubber roof
 
The four year rule became the 10 year rule a couple if years back. So unless it was substantially completed by then it may not not be immune from enforcement. Would it have been PD anyway, or acceptable to planners? Was it built to building regs standards, that might be a bigger issue?
 
It was completed in 2021. I believe the rules changed in 2024. So I don't thinks that's an issue.

I think it's slightly bigger than PD would of allowed(if it was im sure thats only 1yr enforcement) I think it would have come under the good neighbour scheme it's about 4x4 on a terraced house
 
Back to the actual question I asked

Will changing the structure affect the 4yr rule?
 
bearC said:
a extension that didn't get signed off when it was finished
Click to expand...
Planning or building regulations enforcement?

Extensions are not "signed off" under planning regulations, there is no "4 year rule" under building regulations.
 
Are you saying the council are unable to take any enforcement action on the extension?
 
Whether or not it planning permission or building regs that can have enforcement action. Will changing the structure affect the the enforcement if its already past the enforcement period ???
 
It depends on what legislation is being breached.

FYI, exemption from enforcement does not make the unauthorised work lawful.
 
I'm not too fussed about it being lawful I have no plans to sell

I'm only concerned if I can be forced to pull down.

It's not dangerous and it was definitely completed before Feb 2022.
 
Done some goggling . Looks like I will be better off applying for an LDC before I do any work
 
Looks like I will be better off applying for an LDC before I do any work
Click to expand...

Not what I would do. Why voluntarily open a potential can of worms. Your extension has been there for years so looks like no-one is bothered except you. I would just crack on and do it, unless you have unfriendly neighbours who you know will cause trouble. Sounds like just a roof repair to me....
 
What sort of can of worms am I looking at?

It's past the point of enforcement. Google says making alterations could reset that .
 
It's past the point of enforcement. Google says making alterations could reset that .
Click to expand...
You've got an extension that no-one is bothered about. It sounds like you want to take the roof off, make some minor tweaks to the gradient of the roof and recover it (If you are going to lift the roof a metre or so, then maybe that's different, but I'm presuming you need another 2-300mm at the window end to get the door lintel in?) If you just crack on chances are no-one will give a monkeys. If you draw attention to it, then someone has to make a decision. If it is a minor infringement (and it may not be in any case), chances are if you just crack on you will "get away with it", whereas if you go and seek a LDC chances are if it's a minor infringement, you most likely won't because "rules must be obeyed" and you will have to go through the whole planning rigmarole and cost.

Planning and BC have far more things to do than to go round stalking people with tape measures, if no-one has complained. As I say, depends on how you get on with neighbours and their attitude to the bit of building work. A couple of bottles of wine up front to compensate for a bit of noise works wonders....

Of course, part of what you are doing is so you can add more insulation and be more energy efficient :)

photos might help to confirm either way. My attitude is to only go the formal route, if I know I might be facing hassle. But then, I understand that other people worry too much....
 
At minimum I think 2-3 courses of bricks plus lintel will do the job
 

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