Letter of comfort
A Letter of Comfort is a letter issued by the Council which
states that action will not be taken in respect of building works
which have either:
- Been carried out without a building warrant,
or
- Been carried out with a building warrant, but for which no
certificate of completion has been issued.
In any event, a letter of comfort application can only be
applied for
- The application relates to work you have carried out,
which has no warrant and was completed prior to 1 May
2005, or
- The application relates to work that was undertaken by a
previous owner without a warrant and was completed prior to 1
May 2005. You will have to be able to demonstrate that a building
warrant was not obtained i.e. by having undertaken a register
search, or
- The application relates to work which has a warrant which was
submitted prior to 1 May 2005, which is now time expired and
for which no Certificate of Completion has been issued.
Where work was carried out after 1 May 2005, the only option for
unauthorised work is to go through the procedure to obtain a
Completion Certificate Without Warrant
How do I apply for a Letter of Comfort?
- You require to complete an
application form [PDF: 42Kb]. This is straightforward
to complete but should you have any difficulties please get in
touch and we will be glad to help
- It is important that you state clearly what works you are
applying for. The works you specify on the application form
are all that the inspecting surveyor will look at when carrying out
a site visit.
- You must submit your completed application form together with
the fee to our headquarters at Pullar House
What is the fee for a Letter of Comfort?
Letter of Comfort in relation to unauthorised building
works where no Building Warrant has been
obtained
£300.
Letter of Comfort in relation to building works
where Building Warrant
has been granted and no certificate of completion
obtained
£150.
What happens when I have made my application?
Your form will be checked for completeness, then if satisfactory
it will be registered. The application will be copied and passed to
the appropriate member of staff in order that an inspection of the
work can be organised.
An inspection will normally be made within a fortnight but this
can vary - so don't leave your application until the last
minute.
The inspection will concentrate on the works you have listed on
the application form. Whilst the inspection is non disruptive, the
letter is not automatically guaranteed. You may be required to
undertake remedial works if defects are discovered. In certain
circumstances we may be forced to consider enforcement action if we
consider there is a risk to health or safety.
If some remedial work is required you will be given up to 3
months to finish the work. There is no charge for the first
subsequent re-visit provided you apply within the agreed timescale.
If further visits are necessary charges will be applied.
What should I do with my Letter of Comfort?
Once you have obtained this letter, keep it with your
household documentation such as title deeds. You may be asked to
produce the letter if you decide to sell or re-mortgage your
property.
Who can give me advice on Letters of Comfort?
If you have any questions about Letters of Comfort, please
telephone (01738) 475336 or email BuildingStandards@pkc.gov.uk
