SQE1 sample questions

Question 13

A solicitor is acting for a client who is the sole owner of a freehold property.

The property is not a listed building and is vacant, but was used as office premises until five years ago.

The client plans to carry out internal works to the property so that she can let it as a single private dwelling house.

She has asked for the solicitor’s advice about whether her plans constitute ‘development’ and therefore whether she will need to obtain planning permission.

Will the client require planning permission for her plans for the property?

A. Yes, although she will not require planning permission for the internal works, she will require planning permission for the change of use.

B. No, the internal works do not constitute development and nor does the change of use because the previous use was abandoned over four years ago.

C. No, the internal works do not constitute development and nor does the change of use because it is a change to a single private dwelling house.

D. Yes, she will require planning permission for both the internal works and the change of use because they are developments which are not permitted.

E. No, the internal works do not constitute development and nor does the change of use because the change is not material.