Foundations?

The subsurface is pretty solid I reckon - as far as I know all the houses around here were built with large concrete slab driveways that were quite deep, and rather than remove them people have simply put tarmac or block paviers over the top.

Not so sure that a camera is a good idea - given that I have window sills full of tomato plants in the early part of the year, and then chillies later in the year, it already looks as though I am growing weed through the frosted glass; a camera at the bedroom window would be the icing on the cake, and most likely see me carted off!

 

Could very well be in contravention then, however he is not likely to find out until there is a problem with the drain I would imagine?

 

The simple way of finding out is to call planning authority and get them to check it out.

 

True, but as I mentioned above its really none of my business - it doesn't affect me in any way, I was merely curious about the method of building.

 

Well yes, there is that of course
I see you have the same opinion of planning as I do!

 

Even porch extensions may need planning approval. It depends on local regs as well, but extending forward of the 'building line' always required approval. Of course, the front of the house may not be up to the 'building line'.

Under any circumstances, I would not be happy to have an extension without proper footings. Although in the old days footings used to be much shallower we seem to get more 'land heave' nowadays because of the change in the weather conditions.