Planning permission

[Pigeon Tim]

Thinking of converting an empty roof space area into a bedroom. It won't involve doing anything to the structure externally apart from adding a new window.

My builder seems to think I don't need any planning permission for this as it's all internal but obviously it will go from a three to a four bedroom villa. Is this correct and if so do I need to inform the town hall of the change etc?

[Heston]

Always go for the license..its all well and good the builder saying no but the book stops with the home owner. Go along to your Town hall tell them what your looking to do with a costing and they will say yeah or neigh!
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[Pigeon Tim]

OK thanks, any idea of how long these things take, can they give you an answer there and then or does it invlove a visit from an inspector?

[Heston]

In my experience ( and bear in mind its inland..it maybe very different on the coast) I have gone filled the form in paid then got a receipt and the license has been posted out a few days latter...but please remember that i live inland I think it maybe different where you are perhaps other Costal members can shed some light?
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[Miro]

I recently applied for permission (from Urbanismo dept. @ town hall) to carry out "obras menores" (minor work) in an apartment in Torremolinos, including changing an existing window. I got the permission within 10 days. The "tax" is around 7% of the (declared/estimated) cost of the work. Obviously I got a very cheap quote!
You have to (theoretically) apply even for work such as re-tiling your kitchen & bathroom. Of course most people don't - I did because the apartment is in a rather fussy community, and I didn't want any hassle from neighbours. Since this probably doesn't apply in your case, you could perhaps take a chance. But bear in mind if you need a skip, it could draw attention to the fact that work is being carried out. If you need to put a skip on public land i.e. the road, you need permission for that also.