Planning permission required - doing up a flat?

[I hammer]

Good day everyone, I was wondering if anyone could help with a property decorating question?

I am thinking about buying a purpose built flat.

However, I want to re-jig the rooms a little bit. - Is it allowed?

If it is allowed, is it on the assumption the walls are not load-bearing? - and do I need to get any sort of permission to do so?

The flat I am interested in, sits on the top floor.
Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.

[stuart]

First step might be to check out whether your leasehold agreement and/or deeds allow it. Otherwise the freeholder/managing agents can insist you re-instate at your own cost. Removing walls is likely to be noticed by the people living below you. If they are not on board you may have problems.

Provided everything is internal and the building is not listed then planning permission probably doesn't apply but building regulations do. Give Lewisham Planning department a call. They can be very helpful. No one wants misunderstanding later ...

Stuart

[Emmazzz]

Unless the flat is listed, you don't need a planning permission, but you need to comply with all the building regulations. The work should be checked by the building regulations body and certified.
Before moving any wall, call a structural engineer in, that will tell you exactly what can be done, and what can't.

Emmanuelle

(interior designer)

[Willy]

Just to add that if you fail to get planning regs involved you may not be able to sell it at a later date as most solicitors will insist on seeing the approval, as has been said get building control in early, they are usually very helpful.

[biscuitman1978]

This website is a useful starting point for working out whether you need planning permission or building regs approval:

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/

But as Stuart suggests, get in touch with the local authority if you're in any doubt.

[mosy]

Re selling the property subsequently, my experience (semi detached 30's house) was that I wanted to remove a non-load-bearing wall. I applied with fee for planning permission, was told planning permission was unnecessary after inspection and my fee was returned. At selling time, I was asked to supply evidence of planning approval permission and it was a real struggle convincing solicitors that I didn't have it because it wasn't needed, as confirmed in the letter saying so.

If you do decide to make changes to walls, my advice would be to seek official planning permission and record and keep all correspondence - before removing any walls. Just my experience.

Edit PS: As you are referring to a leasehold flat, I would read the small print very, very carefully first.