Neighbours loft conversion

[JulesP]

Please could someone tell me if we were meant to receive a letter from the planning dept about our neighbours loft conversion. We live in a semi detached and the neighbour adjoining is the one having the work done. It is a huge conversion taking up all of the roof at the back of the house. We were concerned that there may be damage done to the wall in between their attic and ours and a few people have said that we should have received a letter asking if we have any objection to the work being done but we have not. On top of that we have had a portaloo blonked right outside our garden to look at for the past few weeks!!! They cant see it at all from there house but we get the full view! Sorry just letting off a bit of steam. Really just want to know if they have done it legally really? Anyone know? Thanks Jules

[buildersmate]

You wouldn't be consulted if they didn't need to apply for Planning Permission. Have they put dormer windows in? If they have they MIGHT have to have sought PP, but if the envelope of the house isn't changing and they are putting Velux type windows in, its unlikely. Unless you live in a Conservation Area.

[JulesP]

Thanks for that Buildersmate. As you look at the house you can see it (its massive!) but if we look from our house we cannot see it as it has theoretically made it a 3 storey property. We were just curious as so many people have said we should have received a letter. Thanks for your time Jules.

[Ethel]

It is the Party Wall Agreement.

If the proposed works affect a party wall, e.g. beams to bear onto the party wall, the owners or leaseholders of adjoining properties must be informed. The relevant legislation is the Party Wall etc Act 1996. Guidance notes on the Act are available from ODPM Free Literature, PO Box 236, Wetherby, L23 7NB,or they can be accessed on the internet from the website of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (http://www.safety.odpm.gov.uk (external)). The Local Authority does not have a role in the implementation of the provisions of the Act.

[Ethel]

You will find this interesting:

http://www.lbwf.gov.uk/index/environment/envir onment-building-control/environment-building-c ontrol-information-guide/environment-building- loft-conversions.htm

[JulesP]

Thanks to all of you for your very useful information. You have given us something to go on and we will be looking into it further, thanks again Jules