Who's responsible?

But if they just carry out a small amount of work before the 5 years expires so they can claim they've started, then there's no time limit for them to finish, the only time limit being to start.

 

Besides Local Authority searches, another potential line of enquiry could be the questionnaire sent to the vendor, and whether it included questions asking whether the vendors had received notice of any planning applications/permissions in respect of an adjoining property?

These (notification of applications) are sometimes sent to neighbouring properties for major developments, and a copy should be in the LPA's application file. (hard copy, not online). If the vendor commented on the application then the LPA would have notified them of the outcome, although you may not find this information checking online as some LPAs remove all objector's correspondence from the online file after a decision has been made, and again you'll need to check the paper copy at their offices.

 

http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/property/w...affect_a_potential_buyer_s_decision_1_4170528

 

A bit more info has come to light - the seller of the property never lived at the bungalow - it was an inheritance - in fact he doesn't live in the area.

So when asked - are you aware of any nearby developments - then he answered truthfully with 'no'.

 

And the buyer's solicitor never cautioned them that the vendor was/what used to be termed 'personal representative' so probably wouldn't have any knowledge about what they were selling?

Did nobody, including the purchasers notice the vendors resided elsewhere, and never questioned why it was offered with vacant possession, and that grant of probate formed part of the transaction?