permission request for DIY works in ex LA flat

[slyrubies]

ok the council is the freeholder, I have over 100 year lease. There is a crazy woman neighbour complaining to the council saying that we are doing all sorts of illegal work. Now the council housing office has written to me requesting that I must write them a letter to request permission to replace my kitchen.

Just wondering what is the usual legal position? Do I have to write to them or can I just go and see them? I'd much rather go and see them as I'm scared if I write them a letter I will leave a trail they can use as evidence.

I'd also like to mount a complaint against this crazy neighbour who has been trespassing on my property on several occasions. She has been coming into our back patio and disrupting my building team, generally hurling threats and abuse at everyone and making racist comments (my wife and her dad are both Polish).

Much appreciate your advice on this matter.

Thanks in advance.

[pdk]

Is the matter raised because of an extension to the house?? If it's a development question I can answer it, if its a legal one then try other parts of the forum...

The basic planning rule is that if your extension has been there for 4 years you have automatic planning permission OR it may be of a smaller enough volume to be permitted development OR you will need planning permission for it.

Hope that helps...

PETER

NOTE: Peter Kyte BSC (Hons) DipTP MRTPI CGeog is an official LandlordZONE Topic Expert… For more information on Peter D Kyte Associates and Enabling Projects please see the websites at http://www.enablinguk.com and http://www.development-seekers.com. Any advice given by Peter Kyte in this Forum is of a general nature only and should not be taken to be a final and binding planning opinion. Based on any initial advice given you are strongly advised to seek a further professional opinion, which may involve a site visit and a detailed analysis of the issues... For information on the sort of work Peter undertakes please see TRACK RECORD (http://www.enablinguk.com/track.html), WORKING WITH INVESTORS (http://www.enablinguk.com/ur-property-investors-planning.html), and PROJECT TYPES (http://www.enablinguk.com/planning-project-permission-appeal-UK.html)...

[john carling]

I had similar sort of neighbour I ended up writing a strong but polite letter to them with a copy going to the management of the lease in your case the council informing them that she a nuisance neighbour giving examples of what she been up to.it worked for me. If that not ok then look at putting a police order on her there is a specific name for this but I cant remember it . It is a long process but sometimes we need to do this.
As far as the kitchen yes you should have asked but they not likely to say no if you ask they are getting free kitchen I presume there no extension work! Because there has been a complaint they have to follow it up it there job but they are normally reasonable. your problem is the neighbour its her you need to sort out good luck.

[SteveP]

Just wondering what is the usual legal position? Do I have to write to them or can I just go and see them?

The probability is that your lease requires you to get the written consent of the landlord to make alterations, and it could be argued that a new kitchen is an alterations.

It is not a big deal, they won't refuse you consent, just write to them asking for consent. They will want to ensure that the alterations are done safely and to a reasonable standard though.

[baldelectrician]

You DO need permission, in Scotland (called a building warrant) for a lot of works

see
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/pdfs/Electrical%20Guidance%20for%20Verifiers%2029Mar06. pdf

Essentially, most works in flats, not maintenance work requires a warrant.

You do not need a seperate warrant for each item, but can put lots of things in one warrant. For example, loft conversion, conservatory & rewiring can go on one warrrant.

I have a potted version on my website,
http://www.baldelectrician.com/buildingstds/warrant.pdf

hope this helps.

[scampicat]

[QUOTE=pdk;21019]Is the matter raised because of an extension to the house?? If it's a development question I can answer it, if its a legal one then try other parts of the forum...

The basic planning rule is that if your extension has been there for 4 years you have automatic planning permission OR it may be of a smaller enough volume to be permitted development OR you will need planning permission for it.

Hope that helps...

PETER

QUOTE]

There are no permitted development rights for a flat.