Do I Need Planning Permission.co.uk
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Hi, We are considering buying an 18th Century farmhouse but have discovered a major problem. The current owners applied for planning permission to remove internal kitchen walls / fireplaces and external ornate chimney to enlarge the kitchen by combining the existing kitchen and pantry. This request was refused by local council and went to appeal at Secretary of States office and was also appealed on grounds of listed building and local historical value. BUT they then went ahead and totally ignored the refusal and demolished everything included in the initial request and subsequent refusal.. We really want the house but fear this could take a long time to sort - possibly with reinstatement required ?
Any ideas what might happen now - prosecutions etc ? It's a pretty serious offence to ignore planning refusal on a listed building .....

If you purchase this property you purchase the problem. Whats the planning inspectorate appeal reference number? There's no time limit on immunity for unauthorised works to a listed building so even an indemnity clause on a purchase agreement wouldn't assist you.