Hi. I purchased my property 16 years ago which already had a conservatory added, about 20 years ago, using neighbours 1992 extension wall which is right up to boundary. Had a survey done when I purchased and have had no problems, assuming was all agreed between previous owner and the neighbours. All fine until last week when new neighbours who moved in several months ago have said they have only just realised, (when my roof was being renewed) that my conservatory is built using their extension wall and they say they are not giving permission for this. Where do I stand please as all this was done before I moved in so about 20 years ago.
Thanks
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Hello Julieh
in my experience' any conservatory or extension if built through the proper channels should be on file with the local council, if built permitted development inspected and on file then the previous owners would have given permission. if it is not on file then its built without permission , the council can tell you to take it down and serve you with notice with a date giving you a time scale of a month or so and if not removed they will send in there own contractors and charge you a fortune, I suggest contacting building and planning , it also depends when it was built , its best to contact the council and seek advice from them they hold the final decision
I take it there is no partywall agreement ?
hope this was useful
George
Julieh
I am no expert on this matter, however, there is such thing as Lawful Development which places deadlines of 4 yrs and 10yrs on authorities to make alterations. Your situation sounds a little interesting in that part of "your" wall would fall outside of your boundary line. So perhaps there is also a Party Wall issue.
I would recommend taking lots of photos and digging out old photos showing the building as far back in history as possible. I would may be hold off spending lots of money on experts until the neighbours themselves have appointed experts. Perhaps when the time comes you could speak to a Party Wall Surveyor?
I'm interested in knowing what progress you have made so far. Please message us if you have any questions or would like to share. We'll help if we can.
The Office of Works Limited.
