Retrospective plannimg for loft bedrooms

[algas]

In 2000 we bought a maisionette, it was 2 beds with delapidated attic rooms with a proper staircase property is about 200 yrs old, I renovated the 2 attic rooms into nice bedrooms, we have let the place for 25 years our latest tenants have been in since 2010 but now with more intrusive regs and age I'm 72 next month wife 70, we have decided to sell up, we have given the tenants 1st option to buy but they are dithering, estate agent says they won't be able to market as a 4 bed which is what it is as I never got planning to convert the 2 attic rooms just got on with it. Would I need retrospective planning approval or maybe just lawfull use, also council tax is band A , a similar property with 4 beds will be a band C and I think council can go back 6 years, anyone got any ideas which way to go.

Tia Alan

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Are you saying the two bedrooms were original?

 

[algas]

They were, possibly servants quarters but v dilapidated

 

[^woody^]

The "proper" staircase would be more pertinent than the state of the loft rooms, as that implies that the rooms existed as rooms with an access - irrespective of any subsequent change in regulations or your refurbishment - which is not a conversion in context of planning law.

Key dates would be either as built, or as it existed in July 1948. If the stairs were in place then, it could be sold as a four-bed as the rooms were there before planning law existed - the state of the rooms is irrelevant.

Either way the conversion would be exempt from any planning enforcement now. However, if you which to obtain legal planning status, then you would apply for a Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development - CLEUD. You just need to evidence that the rooms have been in continuous use for the past 10 years.

You would not need to regularise the works in terms of building regulations, unless there have been structural alterations carried out since 1985.

 

[wessex101]

Even if it is a more recent loft conversion to the flat do internal alterations actually require planning permission? I think not. Only external alterations such as installation of roof windows etc.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Even if it is a more recent loft conversion to the flat do internal alterations actually require planning permission? I think not. Only external alterations such as installation of roof windows etc.

Try telling that to a non-clued up solicitor ....

 

[algas]

Thanks for your replies, I think the stairs are origional as they are old and in keeping with the rest of the property. The place was one large house now converted to 2 flats, this does have PP. The tenants have been there for 15 years at least and would testify the use of the attic bedrooms, only work done was rip out the old sagging lath and plaster walls and ceilings renew the floor renew windows etc. the house has loads of history, owned by a local "Master mariner" who made his fortune and was quite a philanthropist in Dawlish. We have the origional deeds indentured with wax seals, I intend to lend them to the local museum when this is all done.

 

[wessex101]

Language is important. In your first post you said you "converted" the 2 attic rooms. So you can hardly be surprised that the estate agent is querying the need for planning permission.
It now turns out that you didn't convert the rooms you simply carried out some maintenance/repairs. No planning permission required.