Extension in 1985 no completion certificate

[slowman]

Hi

We are approaching exchange of contracts, purchasing a 1960s house that had an extension built on the side in 1985. There is a planning application approval document dated Nov 1983, subject to certain conditions being met regarding drainage and referencing the 1976 Building Regs. The vendor built the extension himself, according to him in '1985'.

The issue is that the vendor does not appear to have any other paperwork to confirm that the work was inspected or a completion certificate issued. When we requested same, the vendor apparently asked the council if they had any documentation in this regard and hence they have now been notified and so we are advised an indemnity policy will be unobtainable.

Around the same time, 1985, a single garage (freestanding, 20 x 10ft) was extended to become a double garage (freestanding 20 x 20ft) on the grounds of the property. There appears to be no paperwork (applications, approvals or building regs) existing for this work at all, and none applied for. Can you advise:

1. In 1985 would a completion certificate normally have been required/issued for the side extension to the house?
1. a) and if so, and it wasn't, and an indemnity policy is unobtainable, should we insist that the vendor applies for a certificate now, retrospectively?

2. In 1985 would planning have been required for the garage extension?
2. a) we are planning to convert it into a 'study / studio' type building internally, and are concerned about 'complications' in this regard..

Hope someone who knows can give some advice...

Thanks very much