CAN UNAUTHORISED BUILDING BE DEMOLISHED AFTER OVER 4 YEARS? If you want to know how your DIY projects could be affected by building and planning regulations, click here to post questions and view answers

[nigelm]

we built an office over four years ago. it was about half the size of a standard three bed bungalow. but now we want to extend and change the use to a residential building. after applying for planning permission we were told the original building was unauthorised as it was facing wrong direction than that on the approved drawings. i want to know how long the timescale is that it can be erect before the building authority can no longer force you to demolish?

[Connell]

Hello,

I hope I can help.

From detail you have provided the building itself (operational development) is immune from enforcement action after four years. If this can demonstrated under a certificate of lawfulness then all is well. However, on the face of it you have no lawful use of the building. The use and the operational development in most circumstances are subject to different time periods.

I am a Chartered Town Planner whom has his own consultancy.

Hope this helps.