Search for previous planning permission submissions

 There is a huge difference between a progetto and a progetto approvato.  If the owners had submitted the plans and released them they would have had to pay the oneri to the comune which is a percentage of the overall works - so its not that unusual to have plans and projects with no approval.  However, the comune is where you will have to go.  Depending on their filing system planning applications are filed under name or address.  Alternatively you could speak to the geometra who drew up the plans.  

Good advice  from Ram again. Also there is normally a time limit on when the works have to be started otherwise permission has to be reapplied for.

Ram is right, check both with the Comune and the author of the renovation plans. Perhaps, the previous owners realised that the cost of the project was going to be too high and they decided against going ahead and did not submit the plans; however, you should check all this before making any move.

Thanks guys, the original architect who drew the plans is going to confirm with me on monday whether this is the case or not. It just smelt a bit fishy to me. Not having experience of italian property market I just want to make sure all bases are covered before blowing all my hard earnt cash.Thanks againDan