Plainview Planning were contacted by a distressed home-owner in the London Borough of Richmond. She was being threatened with enforcement action against an alleged subdivision of the property.
We reviewed the planning history of the site, and entered into negotiations with the Council Enforcement Department. Part of the case focussed on the creation of ‘self contained’ accommodation. However, we put forward case law that suggested the use was akin to a granny annexe. This part of the investigation was dropped.
The second part of the enforcement investigation related to unauthorised works. We submitted a retrospective planning application that was approved without delay.
Before we were involved the whole case was seemingly heading to an unnecessary enforcement appeal. By engaging in a meaningful discussion with the enforcement officer we managed to regularise the case quickly for client and Council alike.