Neighbours Extension

[midagetrolop]

Don't know if I'm in the right list here but here goes. My neighbour has put a planning application in for an extension to his property, the only thing is that he wants to put in two bedroom windows that will look straight into to my conservatory lounge and garden, it will only be a few metres away. Can he do this? Please help.

[DJHawkes]

you have a right to object

[Gran67]

That doesn't sound right to me, even if they overlooked your garden it should be disputed.

[askyourgran]

I think you should put in an objection, consult a solicitor to ask about privacy rights or even 'right to light' if the extension is likely to overshadow your property. The Council planning committee will take all objections on board before passing the application, be aware of the deadline for placing your objection.

[society]

Perhaps he want to put windows in the room because he would like a bit of natural light and fresh air. I can't imagine someone putting windows in their bedroom with the expectation of their neighbour/s looking in.

[The Builder]

Trolop, do go through the system (Planning) and lodge your objection to the windows.

Whenever I've built with such windows, I've found that the Planners like to put a condition in the Planning Permission to say that these windows must be for light only, AND that they should be non-opening, and obscure-glazed.

[Mosaic]

Following on from Builders, there will also be a rule on how close they can be to the boundary of your properties. But you must voise all these points back to the planning authority - they have to write to all affected neighbours and give you the opportunity to respond formally.
If in doubt, contact the planners and ask about the case. The reason I suggest this is we have a shifty set of neighbours on one side, who in the past have said they have applied for planning permission but have not done so.

[midagetrolop]

Thanks for your answers. This is the fourth time he has started building, first alterations to house, second barn conversion next door, third, garage up against our boundary told us it would only be about 3 ft. above wall, it is about 10 ft. Built a kitchen on bigger than given planning permission for apparently, but he seems to get away with it!

I reckon the new gable end will be about 10-12 ft from our boundary looking straight into my garden and conservatory. I don't mind so much the extension, it's the two bedroom windows looking over us.

[factor-fiction]

As most rear bedroom windows overlook neighbours' gardens I assume these windows are on the side of the property. I think there are rules about having frosted glass of some sort for these. The conservatory issue may be different- if that was added on after and didn't need planning permission then I don't think it will have any special status. But do object.