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We are buying a house built in 1974. The house is a repossession with no documentation regarding a room in the roof with a dormer built in 2003. When plans were submitted in 2003 for the room in the roof the plans were withdrawn from the Council. Thus I assume the then owner went ahead and built the extension without permission. The room is very well built and has no apparent issues. It faces the garden.
I don't know what problems will emerge in the future regarding retrospective permission

Hi ianjphoto
Plans are usually withdrawn because the Council have indicated that they will refuse permission.
Since it is more than 4 years since the work was carried out enforcement action is unlikely. You could ignore the lack of PP, apply for a certificate of lawfulness, apply for full PP or maybe take out some form of insurance. Seek advice from your solicitor handling the sale.
Presumably Building Regs approval was not sought so there will always be a question as to whether regulations at the time were complied with. Again you could seek regularisation of the works.
Regards S