My neighbour is putting planning permission?

Question

To build into his loft it's a bungalow but what he wants to do will over look all my rear garden is this grounds to complain or is this allowed?

Answer 1

when someone wants to build up, usually the planning dept who gives him a building permit will check with the neighbours to see if there is a problem....

Answer 2

I'm slightly confused is your neighbour applying for planning permission, or has he already got planning permission? If he is applying for permission then you will have an opportunity to make an objection. Note that you can only make an objection in accordence with your councils Unitary Development Policy(UDP). Things that we take for granted and want to complain about are not always allowed or taken into consideration under planning law. I suggest that you look at the plans, they will be at the planning dept. Also make your objections in writing and call the local planning officer to do a site visit. You must also submit a written request to speak at the planning committee meeting, as you will probably not be allowed to speak if you have not given notice. When you make this request ask for the report that the planning officer will show the committee, this has all the relevent planning sections in it, you can then compare this to the UDP and make your arguments based on these. If he has already been given planning permission I'm afraid that it is too late for you to make an objection, but you can contact your local planning officer to find out what the termsof the planning permission is, eg, bulding times ect. In this case the 'right to light" legislation will probably not come into effect. Plese note that it is a long drawn process and involves employing specialist light surveyors. Privacy is probably not an issue either as the window will not be looking into your house,but into your garden.
Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Part of the Planning Application process is that a notice has to be displayed on the property. You needn't wait for that, if you know that an application has been made, before you object but you must do it in writing. Set out as short as you can your precise objections about being overlooked, including distances from the proposed extension, and keep a copy . The Council are bound to take all objections into consideration, but they may still grant permission. Remember that you cannot object anonymously!

Answer 4

You probably won't need planning permission for a conservatory - call your planning department they are there to help. Anyway your neighbours would have to have some MAJOR objections (loss of light/privacy) otherwise their "opinions" won't matter in the least. Every home-owner has permitted development as long as it is agreed with the local authority.

Answer 5

You say he is putting in planning permission, which by default means that you can make an objection. Certain types of extension and other building works are allowed without planning permission but if he is putting in for permission it is because he requires it. When he does, you will have a chance to see the plans at your local council offices and place in writing any objection that you might have. If your objection fails to halt his plan you may want to take legal advice as you may be able to build a case under 'right to light' or as a matter of privacy.

Good luck.

Answer 6

You can complain, but as long as he is building outside of the setbacks and follows the building permits, it's very difficult to challenge.

Are you on good terms with your neighbor? Why not voice your concerns to him and see if there is something he can do to maintain your privacy. If he is unresponsive, you can then call the planning department of at City Hall, and ask to speak to the analyst who will be reviewing the permit. You have the right to appeal a building permit, but in the end, chances are that you probably won't prevail.

I'd suggest planting a row of arborvitae along the fence line to create some privacy for yourself.

Answer 7

If he needs planning permission then you have a right to complain. However the council will only take what they consider valid reasons into consideration. If you have enjoyed the privacy of your back garden for a long time then you can maybe object to the erosion of it.
I had a similar problem about three years ago and I won so good luck. The planning officer at your local council can advise you as to what constitutes a valid objection.

Answer 8

You can complain. My sister has been renovating an old cottage and decided to put in a new window which was over looking the neighbours garden. They were told by the planning officer they could not put it there "privacy issues" so there are way's around this !! :)

Answer 9

If planning permission is required then you have every right to object but dont hold your breath unless he is facing into your property i,e directly facing a window then chances are he'll get it.
After all its only a garden he's going to be looking at, how lovely, unless you sunbath topless then just smile.

Answer 10

contact the planning dept and find out. incidentally what was the point in buying a bungalow if he wants to put an extra floor in; surely a conservatory would have been more in keeping with the original style. I suppose you could object on the basis that you deliberately bought your proerty next to a bungalow because ytou would not be overlooked.

Answer 11

If in doubt put in an objection.
But make sure it is both in time and in the correct format.
If in doubt ask your local council for details
We objected to a similar application recently and the council ruled that the size of the extention be considerably reduced. Good luck!