Neighbour seeks Retrospective Planning Permission for large selfcontained granny flat

Our neighbours have recently applied for retrospective planning permission for their house. They added a large self contained granny flat to the house without planning permission.

We tolerated this while they lived there and said nothing but now they have the house up for sale and have applied for the retrospective planning permission for this large extension to their house. No one realised the extent of the extension until the house went up for sale and we saw the house description. They have increased the house size by about 50% and we're worried about what might happen if someone were to buy this house and rent it in several small units as this is a quiet area with older neighbours.

Does anyone know what can actually be achieved by actually objecting to this application now several years after the extension was completed?

Thanks

Re: Retrospective Planning Permission

So you sit there and watch it happening and are not in the least bothered with it but now that its being sold its suddenly a problem. I dont understand this at all.

Contact your local planning office for general advice or engage a planning consultant privately.

Re: Retrospective Planning Permission

To be totally honest we really didn't realise the extent of the extension until we saw the house description when it went up for sale. Anyway thanks for the advice.

Re: Retrospective Planning Permission

Firstly, how many years ago was the extension built? If more than seven years, then Planning Enforcement cannot compel them to knock it. (Though it is unlikely that they would do so anyway).

At this stage, all you can do is object (assuming you still have time). You'll probably be unsuccessful regarding the demolition of the extension but if you are successful in your appeal, then they may not be able to successfully sell the house - as banks generally do not allow mortgages on unauthorised developments.

Re: Retrospective Planning Permission

you should make an 'observation' that you wish the council include a condition of planning stating that the granny flat cannot be rented or sold as a seperate housing unit.... they would probably include this condition anyway... but you need to be sure.

Re: Neighbour seeks Retrospective Planning Permission for large selfcontained granny

Thanks so much for your replies. The 'observation' sounds like a good possibility. Thanks to you both for the information.