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Hello, I have an old stable block which I would like to convert into an annex for friends and family to stay in (not been used for over 15 years). I searched for what type of planning permission I would need, and saw i could apply for Permitted Development if it wasn't self contained, so I didn't include a kitchen or utility room in the plans. The size of the stable block would still be the same (50ft x 19ft), the roof, windows and doors would be changed and put in different locations etc. I then contacted my Local Authority, sent in a plan i'd created. But they are not providing any pre-planning advice services at the moment due to staffing issues so am a bit stuck. The only advice they gave me it was OK in principle, but to submit a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) via the Planning Portal. I'd be grateful if anyone could help me with some questions please; 1) What are the chances this change would be approved under an LDC? 2) Do you have to have professional plans drawn up? I've used a 3D package, Google Maps etc. 3) I've looked on the Planning Portal, but I'm not sure what option it would come under. Any ideas? 4) Is there anything else i can't include so my plan will not require full Planning Permission? 5) Anything else i need to consider? Thank you for any advice in advance

Hi There is a strip of land that runs along the rear of the properties in the street we live. The land was originally bought by the housing estate builder when the estate went up. I believe the land was set aside as a natural area between two phases of the estate and along the public footpath that runs between them. The land used to get strimmed for a couple of years after we moved in, then this stopped, presumably due to inaccessibility. Without our using or maintain the land, we would have had huge tees over hanging our garden by now. For over 10 years we have been using the part of the land to the rear of our property for various activities garden related. The are is about 10m wide x 4m deep. Then a further 3m is a public footpath running down the 10m length. The land has a lot of trees, some up to 25ft. It can also get very overgrown with weeds. The public footpath is not very visible from the land as there are a lot of branches blocking the view both in and out. We have been using the land for BBQs, fire pits, storage and log store for over 10 years. About 5 years ago I put a shed on the land, with access from our garden. The front of the shed is plane with our garden fence, so it's sticks out into the land. The shed can barely be seen from the footpath. I have always opposed putting a fence around it, despite suggestions from other neighbours. I don't intent to put anything else on the land. I have tried to find out who owns the land in an attempt to buy it. But the builder went bust so I have never made any progress. Unfortunately, the council has received a complaint that some residents (there are others who have cut trees down) are taking over the land. The council has contacted me and claims a change of use of land has taken place. They don't seem concerned about the neighbours cutting down trees or maintain the land. They have advised me to apply for planning permission under the 10 year rule or a lawful development certificate. Both at a cost of £462! Can someone confirm whether the 4 year rule applies to anything in my situation? I am also aware of adverse possession. Am I right in saying they are different. AP deals with ownership of the land, whereas change of use is planning. I have not fenced it off over the 10 years so don't think I have a claim on that. However, even if I did, I would still need planning permission for a change of use, is this correct? So my situation is purely planning and getting that approved, whether I own the land or not? I can't prove that I have been using the land as garden for over 10 years as I have no photos, documents or anything. There is a photo of the kids in the log store from about 9 years ago. The best I can manage are the neighbours signing an aphidavit to say I have used it as a garden for over 10 years. My Preffered option would be a LDC, but I don't want to spend £462 with no hope of getting approval. What are my chances with the limited evidence and my circumstances, am I wasting my money? What else could I do to improve my chances? Thanks Simon