Hi everyone,
First-time poster here looking for some advice.
We’re interested in purchasing a chalet-style bungalow that’s been extended quite a bit over the years under permitted development. There’s now a side annex with its own bedroom, kitchen, and separate front access (so two front doors), plus a few extensions at the back.
Interestingly, the last planning application was for updated dormers at the front — which was approved — but in doing so, the council removed all permitted development rights (Classes A, B, and E). They also stated that the property has already been enlarged by almost 90% over the original dwelling, where normally they allow around 50%.
We really like the house, but ideally, we’d wanted to:
There’s also a large front garden that we’d like to gravel over to create more parking, but I suspect that hasn’t been done because there’s a septic tank and possibly the drainfield under there.
So my questions are:
At the moment, it feels like any future alterations might be expensive or limited, which makes me hesitant — but the house itself really ticks a lot of boxes otherwise.
Would appreciate any thoughts or experiences.
Thanks!
First-time poster here looking for some advice.
We’re interested in purchasing a chalet-style bungalow that’s been extended quite a bit over the years under permitted development. There’s now a side annex with its own bedroom, kitchen, and separate front access (so two front doors), plus a few extensions at the back.
Interestingly, the last planning application was for updated dormers at the front — which was approved — but in doing so, the council removed all permitted development rights (Classes A, B, and E). They also stated that the property has already been enlarged by almost 90% over the original dwelling, where normally they allow around 50%.
We really like the house, but ideally, we’d wanted to:
- Fully convert the loft with rear dormers,
- Possibly add a small rear extension, and
- At the very least, make some internal layout changes and close off the annex front door.
There’s also a large front garden that we’d like to gravel over to create more parking, but I suspect that hasn’t been done because there’s a septic tank and possibly the drainfield under there.
So my questions are:
- Given the Green Belt location, PD rights removal, and the house already being classed as heavily extended, is there any realistic chance of getting further extensions approved?
- And does anyone have experience with graveling over a septic tank or drainfield? From what I’ve read, it sounds like a bad idea, but I’d love to hear from anyone who’s dealt with similar setups.
At the moment, it feels like any future alterations might be expensive or limited, which makes me hesitant — but the house itself really ticks a lot of boxes otherwise.
Would appreciate any thoughts or experiences.
Thanks!
