Planning permission for an extension

LizC · Post by **LizC** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 9:59 pm

We are just in the process of buying a property in cvo that is 30 yrs old. It already has a 2 bed and 2 bathroom extension and the carport has been converted into a garage. We want to extend the current kitchen into the garage aswell as extend outwards. We have been told that a property can only be extended by 30% its original size. Is this correct? We had an english builder round who told us he wouldn't bother getting planning permission!! He said it could take 6-9 months to get permission, thats if we even get it and the costs involved with architects etc would be more than the possible fine we would get if they find out we have done it without permission. This sounds very dodgy me. We obviously will not be doing it without permission but we don't want to go through the hassle and costs of trying to get it if we really don't stand much chance of getting it. Does anyone know more about the 30% rule or know of a good achitect who could help us.

carvoeiro1 · Post by **carvoeiro1** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 1:02 pm

Firstly I would ensure that the extensions done by the privious owner were passed by the camara/council, or you could be in trouble before youve even started, dont trust english builders!

Al Garb · Post by **Al Garb** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 1:10 pm

Agree with that. Make sure that your lawyer has all the necessary paper for previous extensions + get all the permissions that you need otherwise you will have problems when it comes to selling

carvoeiro1 · Post by **carvoeiro1** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 2:19 pm

Lagoa Council take apx 3 months to confirm all projects and approve them

tbbr · Post by **tbbr** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 4:11 pm

First place to start is the original planning permission, this will give you the square mtr envelope for the build on your plot.
As others have said any thing in addition to this should have been covered by futther planning permissions.
IF NOT ?????.

PS lagoa take a lot longer then 3 months at least 6 and sometime longer.
They are one of the quicker councils from what others have told us.

Homme Poco · Post by **Homme Poco** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 8:01 pm

What drugs are you on CVO 1?

carvoeiro1 · Post by **carvoeiro1** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:04 pm

No drugs >well MAN> MAY BE YOUVE BEAN DRINKING TO MUCH OF YOUR OWN WATER!
I Had full planning permission for 3 bed villa approved in three months from submitting plans!

Homme Poco · Post by **Homme Poco** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:37 pm

You must be the mayor,s brother/sister /dad/mum......???

HP

tbbr · Post by **tbbr** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 9:20 am

Our liscence to build on a plot in an urbanisation with project approval took at least 9 months. !!!!!.
Yes we were told 3 but after our and others experience the companies we dealt with now quote 6-9 for Lagoa.

LizC · Post by **LizC** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:06 am

Thanks for those responses. Do any of you that have done building work know of a good architect?

LizC · Post by **LizC** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 1:17 pm

I have done as you all sugested and contacted the lawyer this morning to check the 2 bedroom extension is legal and apparently it is not on the plans he has! We have already gone to promissory contract and paid the 10% deposit! The lawyer said the seller is in breach of contract and will have to deal with it though or pay us double the deposit back. Has this ever happened to anyone else? We really want the house so we don't want to have pull out. What a nightmare!

tbbr · Post by **tbbr** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 2:43 pm

The seller could apply retrospectivly for permisson for the extension but thenthere is also the question of declared property values and taxes to consider.
If the extensions are not on the plans on file with lagoa council ( has this been checked ? ) then maybe it could turn out to be more trouble than its worth.
A friend buying " up north " had exactly the same problem but quickly found another property without these problems.

Where does the estate agent come into this , do they ever check the status of properties they sell ??

LizC · Post by **LizC** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 5:10 pm

You would think the estate agent would check wouldn't you. We were surprised our lawyer didn't pick up on it too. I guess we will just have to see what the seller has to say about it!

steve · Post by **steve** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 7:19 pm

This sort of thing used to be common but I thought that estate agents had tightened up their practices. Certainly when I put my old property on the market this year I had to produce to the estate agent copies of the plans, the habitation licence and the certified entry in the registro. All of these had to agree with the current building.

andara · Post by **andara** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:19 am

If you are still looking for a good architect, I can recommend Carlos Lucas of Lucas Constroi lda. He is very artisitic and uses high quality materials. He completed some building extensions on my villa and is very willing to show you other villas in the area that he has designed and built. He does need encouragement to get on with the work!

He might be able to advise on your current difficulites with planning permission.

His email address is lucas-lda@netcarbo.pt and his mobile number is (00351) 969 025 807.

Good luck