We have been interested in a house in our location and after a bidding war (well not quitely but after beating 2 other parties) we are sale agreed on the property with a booking deposit to be paid on Monday.
We have bought the property with the intention of converting the garage and building over it, and extending to the back of the house. a similar plan was approved by SDCC but was wondering whether we can do anything further at this stage prior to signing contracts and paying a non-refundable deposit of 10%. we don't want to be left with the house and find we can't/not allowed incorporate the garage into the house.
On an aside, a neighbouring property has been refused planning based ona culvert running under its property's garden, and a stipulation that no development can be made within 5m of this culvert. I have spoken to the water dept who inform me that the boundary wall of my proposed property is 7m away, so they will not seek a refusal for our development on this grounds.
I have not commissioned an architect as only got sale agreed yesterday, but should we do this asap prior to signing contracts or can we discuss with the SDCC planning dept.
Any advice would be appreciated.
We have bought the property with the intention of converting the garage and building over it, and extending to the back of the house. a similar plan was approved by SDCC but was wondering whether we can do anything further at this stage prior to signing contracts and paying a non-refundable deposit of 10%. we don't want to be left with the house and find we can't/not allowed incorporate the garage into the house.
On an aside, a neighbouring property has been refused planning based ona culvert running under its property's garden, and a stipulation that no development can be made within 5m of this culvert. I have spoken to the water dept who inform me that the boundary wall of my proposed property is 7m away, so they will not seek a refusal for our development on this grounds.
I have not commissioned an architect as only got sale agreed yesterday, but should we do this asap prior to signing contracts or can we discuss with the SDCC planning dept.
Any advice would be appreciated.