Can retention permission be obtained years after a warning letter

A family member is looking at a property where an unauthorised development (conversion of a shed into a granny flat) has taken place.

On the planning registry there seems to have been a warning letter issued but no further action took place, so I'm assuming the owner said they had ceased using it as such.

The warning letter was 5 years ago. Can retention planning permission be sought for this usage or does the warning letter mean that is impossible and it can only legally be used as a shed?

Homer

It *could* cause issues if they need a mortgage on the property.

Bayb12

The authority have 7 years to take enforcement action, so there is still time

Victor

Note that the council doesn't necessarily object to it being a granny flat. They primarily want compliance. Applying for and being granted planning permission could sort the matter.

That said, most councils will insist on certain matters - facade, minimum floor area, connection to main house, compliance with building regulations, etc. being in order.

Peregrinus

Presumably if the development was likely to be approved, they would have applied for approval at the time, in order to avoid finding themselves in the very situation they are now in.

bobbyy gee

They will probably have to knock it down

nuac

Suggest you consult an architect experienced in planning re submission of application to retain.

NellyBellyJelly

NellyBellyJelly wrote: »

On the planning registry there seems to have been a warning letter issued but no further action took place, so I'm assuming the owner said they had ceased using it as such.

There should be a letter closing the file on the register if that is the case.