[richie]

Hi,

This advice is back to front... building swimming pools in Bulgaria (even concrete under-ground constructions) do NOT need planning permission as long as they are less than 100 cubic meters in capacity (which is a very large pool of, say 6x11 x 1.5 deep) and are at least 3 meters from the neighbours boundary and from your own existing buildings.

Conversion of outbuildings to living accommodation does in theory need permission, although many people decide not to do this. If the building to be converted is sound it is very unlikely that you will have any difficulties, but you do need permission and to subsequently declare the additional living area as your annual taxes are partly based on built-up area of living accommodation.

If you need more information you can Google ****** - in a week or so we will have added new sections to the website giving further information on these matters. Believe, me, I've been living in BG for 4 years and have done similar projects (legally) many times for clients.

Cheers,
Richie