All of the above - but if the structure is more than 4 years old the Council can't enforce anyway so the whole thing's a non-issue. Get a letter signed by the seller to say that it was constructed whenever.
If the bloke from the Council says yes it does need permission and it doesn't have permission, then I suggest you obtain a retention from the purchase price. Do you want the garage - if yes then make it a meaningful amount, enough to cover the cost of an application, and the hassle - and the possibility that PP won't be granted.
If it's more recent than 4 years and the Council doesn't know about it then you might be able to persuade the seller to provide a defective title indemnity policy - typical cost £150, at the seller's expense.
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