Licence to Alter

[ingerfabricant]

Dear Sir, my daughter bought a leasehold flat in E8 4QW in Dec. She wants to 1)extend a mezzanine ( 6m wide ) by 1m 2) erect two walls to create another bedroom on said mezzanine. She is applying for a Licence to Alter from the Landlord. His solicitors are asking for: "Monitoring surveyor: £2000/ Structural engineer: £2000 / Legal fees: £2000 / Landlord's administration fee: £1000 together with VAT in all cases. You may limit your undertaking to £8225 (£7000 plus VAT) in the first instance but we reserve the right to ask for an increase if necessary." In addition, a structural engineer recommended by the Landlord, has already submitted an extensive report. Are these normal charges?

[jeffrey]

She needs more than Licence To Alter; she'll have to persuade L (by £££!) to grant a Supplemental Lease, for the building extension.

[Tipper]

It would be better to move to a freehold property where she can do what she wants subject to local planning and building regs.

[jeffrey]

...but she might not want to! It's this property that she owns and wants to alter.