Planning permission

[buxtonhouse]

Firstly, may I say, what a brilliant site and excellent forum. I can't believe how helpful it's been!
We are currently buying an apartment to let in Buxton, Derbyshire. I've researched the area thoroughly (we live here) and there are very few lets actually in the town as opposed to surrounding villages.
The builders (the flat is in a conversion of six units) told us that the lease allows it and that it's fine. Then I saw from the VB that I need Planning Permission! Rats. First the Council thought we might get away with it as it has never been occupied and so, technically, has no current 'use'. Wrong, they've decided that it would need full planning.
A woman at the Council told me that, if we let the flat on a 6 month lease, we can then just change the terms of the rentals (to one week contracts) and it would require no change of use. Does this sound likely? Has anyone heard of it before? It could really work for us as we have a friend who would rent it (in return for being allowed a cat!) and it would give us time to advertise before going live.
Advice anyone?
Thanks, Anstey (buxtonhouse)

[Mouse]

hello there and welcome to the LMH!

Sorry to read about the glitch in your plans and to be honest never thought that private flats would be subject to planning permission in order to rent them out. I do know sometimes the 'community' doesn't allow it.

I can't offer any advice - but do hope theres a way around it for you, I'm sure a solicitor would give you good advice...from memory there are specialist ones that support landlords...if you are renting to non-holiday people also try these people http://www.rla.org.uk/

good luck

Mouse
x

[buxtonhouse]

Thanks Mouse,
Interesting to note that the LMH forum was quicker to repond than High Peak Borough Council...
The six month let would produce no problems: we're letting to a friend and already are landlords in this context.
The property we're looking at is two bed and very small but we intend to furnish it to an excellent standard and provide all luxury extras possible! Let's hope it's a goer!

[Big Sis..]

Hi Buxtonhouse..

Welcome to the forum...
I rent in UK as well but not flats...
Would an estate agent be able to help...you could pretend that you rent through them if/when the works done etc...they should be able to let you know if there are others in the area and any problems permissionwise.
I know that before ive bought property to rent Ive picked theyre brains.....and usually theyre advice has been sound....

[buxtonhouse]

It was the Estate Agent who assured us it would all be fine in the first place! Whoops...

[Big Sis..]

Hi

I didnt mean who you bought through...[if that was who you meant]who of course had their eye on commission

But a separate Estate Agent Rental company

[buxtonhouse]

Thanks Ros, I will. Still no word from the Council though...

[buxtonhouse]

Hurrah! Just heard back from the Council that this anomaly does, in fact, exist! Hope it might be helpful to others who are just starting out and might have problems with Planning.

[Mouse]

good news...well done - you can now get on with your plans

Mouse
x