Hi everyone.

I’ve purchased a garden infill plot which already has an eyesore of a warehouse building on site. It is, however, very close to the main home and takes up a majority of the garden. The small warehouse has been there for over a decade (evidenced by its asbestos build) and has been rented previously by a high street shop for storage.

I’d like to apply for planning permission to do a full rebuild and put in a basement and second floor however I’m nervous about bringing the site to the planners’ attention as it is so close to the main house.

I’m aware that I can rebuild the structure from the internal perimeter as permitted development then apply to convert its use to residential. However this would be a longer road with a more restricted outcome.

Is it worth the risk? Can planners be really difficult even if there’s already a building there?

Thanks,

Clarke