Historic balcony

[i_am_fubar]

Currently buying ourselves a house that has a balcony. As far as we can tell, there is no planning permission for it, but checking with all local neighbours (who have voiced no concern about it), it's been there for over 10 years.

It is my understnading that having been there that long, the planning department can't request it is removed.

It is possibly not built to reg though (joists under sized), so from a structural stand point, they could request it removed. I would therefore be looking to re-build it to regs, however, would this re-set the period of time it has been there according to the planning department?

Will asking them possibly open up a can of worms?

Cheers folks,
Fubar

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

It’s the four year rule that would be applied not the 10 year rule so immune from prosecution (that’s doesn’t make it legal just immune). Replacing the joists would be OK but it may be advisable to not knock it down and rebuild it though as that would likely be viewed by the planners as a new build and technically you would need to apply for planning permission. Consider your neighbours (ie whether they can see the works you may undertake or are likely to dob you in) if you have to rebuild the lot.

 

[i_am_fubar]

Cheers for the responce.

Budget won't really stretch to re-build the whole thing unfortunatly.

And neighbours all seem ok providing a privacy screen is fitted about the railings.

Can planning permission be retrospectivly applied to make it legal?

Thanks,
Fubar.

 

[tony1851]

Can planning permission be retrospectivly applied to make it legal?

Thanks,
Fubar.

Yes, you can apply for a Certificate, but why bother? Put your money towards the repair.