Forum Topic

Story on Front Page of Forum re Retrospective Planning Permission

Is this normal  “retrospective go ahead sought for change to Grade II flat”?  I thought that if alterations to a property were made more than 20 years ago, they were treated as historic. Is this retrospective planning application because it’s a flat or because Fairacres is a Grade II propert?  Just wondered.

Martine Guy ● 98d3 Comments

My understanding is that generally residential alterations which have not been subject to enforcement action by the council for a period of more than four years, do not need retrospective consent. People may choose to apply for it to clarify matters, particularly when selling a property. I think this period has recently been extended to ten years.Listed buildings and heritage assets have no limitation, so enforcement action could be taken at any time.

Gerry Boyce ● 90d

Thanks Ivonne, I agree about the legal documents, but I also I wondered if it was to do with the flats being Grade II listed and an opportunity to check if any alterations were sympathetic to the Art Deco property.  I would support this if that’s the case because, as I have posted before on this forum, I believe heritage should be protected.  I did read something on retrospective planning applications and I thought there was a time limit, so I was surprised about this needing planning permission.

Martine Guy ● 97d

Hello Martine,It seems to me that seeking "retrospective planning approval" for work carried out 28 years ago is ridiculous.  It could be that they need building control approval for the changes that were carried out as part of the legal documents related to the flat. It is the only reason I can think of....

Ivonne Holliday ● 97d