TomInLondon

Thanks - I think they meant it doesn’t meet building regulations and didn’t ever get planning permission... it is not listed and is near but not inside a conservation area - no other restrictions that I’m aware of... I know to build the extension from scratch I would require planning permission, my assumption is that it was built by the house owner (so didn’t need permission as it falls within the limits of what is allowed for a house) but because of the lack of proof and paperwork this becomes a problem now it’s a flat... That wording strongly suggests to me that replacing the door with a differently glazed door would be a problem, but replacing the windows does with double glazed ones using a wooden frame would be acceptable? I got planning permission to double glaze the front windows visible from the street, but these are not visible. Given the original extension has questionable status with regards to planning, it feels quite dangerous to apply for a change to it, or am I misunderstanding? thanks for the help!

I have a ground floor leasehold flat in South London, separated maybe 20-30 years ago from the upstairs freeholding flat. Whoever did this added a kitchen extension at the back of my flat, without ever bothering to get permission or filing any paperwork - something my solicitor completely missed, much to my later distress! Surveyors have made clear that the kitchen does not meet modern planning regulations, and is now freezing cold in winter with a leaking roof and rotting wooden window frames and unusual stained glass double door, all single glazed. This is at the rear of the flat, not visible to any other properties (except very slightly to my upstairs neighbours, at a very oblique angle). I can't prove that the extension was built more than 12 years ago, but it certainly is the only sensible explanation as the flat couldn't work without the kitchen extension, and I know it was at least 8 years ago based on sales records. As I understand it, this likely means that despite the planning problems the council cannot do anything about the extension as it stands. I would like to replace the windows and double door with something newer, double glazed and likely of PVC with better insulation - it would be near impossible to get a stained glass double door to exactly replace the current one, certainly on my budget; do I need planning permission for that? Does it matter that it is not exactly visually "like for like", given it's performing the same function in same space and the windows at least will look similar? Does this "reset the clock" with the council and risk the council asking for the entire extension being pulled down? Who would I even go to to get professional advice about this - I’m reluctant to ask the council directly!