Buying a 1970s Bungalow - No planning

Mousie32

Hi there,

I'm currently buying a 1970s bungalow and our solicitor has come back to us say that there was no planning granted for the house. We are buying the house from a neighbour. I believe the house was originally built by Donegal Coco and then bought out at some point. My aunties house was built at the exact same time in a similar manner. Chatting to someone in the council they reckon that houses built like this [SI house / scheme?] wouldn't of got planning in the 1970s as it was the council - I don't know if this is correct. Having the folio for the property there was a charge of £9000 raised in 1978 and it states that Donegal Coco is the owner of this charge. This charge is striked through and cancelled as off 2016. Anybody and knowledge or experience of this I would gratefully appreciate it. Our option at the minute is that vendor has to apply for retention which would create a significant delay and also not guaranteed to be granted. The application could also be conditioned. Thanks

muffler

I wouldn't see any problem if it's a SI cottage built by the Council. I have issued certs for this type of house several times over the years. However if it's been renovated and/or extended then permission might be required. Your solicitor might be over cautious.

muffler

Forgot to say those houses didn't require planning at the time but there was a facility where the housing dept. referred the proposals to the planning dept who ran them through the system much the same as if it were a private house that was proposed.

Mousie32

Hi Muffler, thanks for the response - much appreciated. That sounds positive. Out of interest when you say you issued certs is that like an opinion on compliance?? Thanks.

muffler

Yes, it would have been certified that they did not require planning permission and that was acceptable to the solicitors acting for the vendor, the buyer and the financial institutions when mortgages were involved.

Mousie32

Thanks Muffler much appreciated.