How do I find a planning application from around 15 years ago?

[mrs_overall]

We are having an extension built and have just had the plans drawn up. The man who did the plans pointed out that our next door neighbours huge extension can no way have had planning permission.
I know for a fact that they are going to lodge a complaint against our extension, so I'd like some ammo up my sleeve.
I've looked on line at the local council but can't find details of planning applications that far back.
Any suggestions?

[jackthehat]

Can you remember when it was built, Mrs O ?

Even if the application isn't on-line, the Planning Dept will have kept records.

Yours neighbours extension may have 'Grandad-rights' by now, though...........

[mrs_overall]

We didn't live here when they had it built but I'm fairly sure it must have been paid for with his compensation when he had an accident, which was around 15 years ago.
What are grandad rights?

[jackthehat]

If a building etc, has been somewhere long enough, it doesn't matter whether it had permission, or not..........there is nothing that the council can do to enforce removal or compel them to make an application. And the real 'kicker' is that although it may be illegal (if you like), should your lawful development have a negative impact on their enjoyment, etc, of this extension, the planners will have to take that into account.

Does your Architect think that their objection will have any 'legs' ?

[LoftyLottie]

Phone the local council with the address and they will tell you whether there has been plannng permission. If it was 15 years ago and they built it without planning permission they will have to apply for it now in retrospect (certificate of lawfulness) and it will have to conform to current planning regs.

I

[mrs_overall]

He says their complaint will have no legs whatsoever.
We are only extending 10 metres beyond the line of the house.
Their extension is approx 20 metres beyond the house line

[albaqwerty]

Do as Lottie suggests or pop into their offices if that's convenient.

I'm sure that if they object our of spite there is something you can do about it, bit I don't know exactly what.

[jackthehat]

For the Planners to take any notice, at all, it will have to have legs............:o)

Let them object, if they like. You can keep track of their correspondence on the Planning website of your Local Authority. Your Architect may decide to write a letter of rebuttal, etc. but, as I say, if there are no 'legs' then it really doesn't matter. :o)

[mrs_overall]

Thanks guys.

I already have one ace up my sleeve - they've had a log burner installed in their kitchen and the chimney is illegal.

I must sound bitter and twisted, but they are the neighbours from hell

[LoftyLottie]

I remember you posting about that log burning chimney Mrs O! Well I think I do. I think I replied.

[mrs_overall]

Yes I did post about it Lottie - you didn't imagine it!

The top of the chimney is dead level with the bottom of youngest Junior O's bedroom window.

[LoftyLottie]

I remember it well now!!

Well at least I'm not losing my marbles just yet.

[starone]

Not bitter and twisted at all mrs.o. You have to have some ammunition ready in case they object and you may as well start stock-piling now. If it was me I would certainly want to retaliate if they spoiled my plans. To me it would be them who was being awkward when they already have an extension - I have it but you can't!

[mrs_overall]

Lottie - are you still planning on leaving the land of turnips & sugar beet and coming to God's Own Country for a holiday in May?

[LoftyLottie]

Yes, 'tis booked. Staying nesr Pickering - Spaunton. Same place at last year!

[mrs_overall]

Never heard of Spaunton!

[LoftyLottie]

Almost part of Lastingham. Good pub in Lastingham. 4 miles from Rosedale.

[tamborine]

Methinks the Council terminology is 'setting a precedence' - neighbors have done that.

[jackthehat]

Mrs O - Regardless of whether you feel that you might get into a tit-for-tat situation, I should complain about their chimney/flue height. The regulations about these are there for a reason, the primary one being that noxious gases are discharged well away from windows, extracts, etc. This is a real risk to health, not a piddly little detail and they should have treated it with all due seriousness !!

[mrs_overall]

Tambo - "setting a precedence" is one of the things the Plan Man mentioned when he said they have no grounds for objecting to our extension

[The Builder]

Mrs Ovulate ........... as JTH has said, after 15 years, the Council would probably take no action against something built without PP. (Usually 4 years)

Building Regs however, are completely different. As far as I know, there is no "statute of limitation" with B/Regs. ......... even more important where Environmental Health is concerned (illegal flue.)