Objections to our planning application :(

[Lily15]

We are extending our bungalow significantly ( it is detached, on a street of similar properties, great privacy due to high vegetation) We decided not to go up as not to annoy any neighbouring properties (light, privacy etc ) and have gone out the back and a small extension to the side. The materials match the existing ( 50's style). Our neighbour completely changed their bungalow last year ( it looks nothing like those in our street now- 2 storey, modern doors, windows etc- fab) and they had all their plans approved and no objections from neighbours. Well we have had four. Not unsurprisingly all from older residents (some not even directly beside us or over the road!) Our road is a mix of families and elderly residents and so many of the other homes have gone into the roof etc Im really stressing as their objections dont have much ground ( I dont think) but there are still 4 weeks to go before the decision and we really need this approved ( growing family!) One in particular was very ageist saying that we should not have moved into the street as there are not enough small bungalows in the town as it is for older people?! We bought it fair and square!They are all objecting to the removal of the bay window at the front because it will not be in keeping with the rest of the houses (you cant even see it behind our hedge!) Theres more or less a similar pattern of complaints ( think they must have had a get together and a moan!) Oh Im so stressed...

[ArbitraryUsername]

Don't panic. Just because some neighbours object, it doesn't mean you won't get permission.

Our house has planning permission for an utterly bonkers extension (the previous owners got it). The attached neighbours objected that it would block the windows in their conservatory but those grounds weren't accepted.

[brandysoakedbitch]

Look, you have to just suck it up as that is the process. Annoying as it is surely people should have the right to object: the point about there not being enough small bungalows in the area is a good one, you don't have to like it or agree but it is absolutely valid.

[Flossiechops]

I think that if the bungalow is being changed and not in keeping with the rest ie the bay window then an objection is valid. What isn't is when people do it for the sake of it. A house around here wanted to put in a loft conversion with a flat dormer to the front aspect, neighbours objected as it wasn't in keeping with the other houses. The owners changed their plans and put a pitched roof in which looks perfect, it matches the others and you would never have known it was a loft conversion. It's hard to know if they are being pedantic or whether they really do have strong objections! Like brandysoaked has said you just have to suck it up, it's par of the course not matter how irritating it is!

[Lily15]

I'm by no means saying they dont have the right to object. But there are absolutely loads of small bungalows in town. I didnt think a comment like this would be valid? I thought it was do with privacy, overlooking,light...things like that? I obviously need to look into the whole planning thing a bit more! I can see their comments about their bay possible taking more weight as this is to do with the visual element but not being allowed to buy a bungalow because we're not old?Really?

[OddBoots]

They built a whole block of flats on the end of my road last year despite well over 30 objections with very valid concerns so it is really not all lost. I do believe restrictions are being very much relaxed soon too so even if it is rejected you can leave it a bit and try again.

[avivabeaver]

i would not worry. my dsis put in for planning on her bungalow/house. she had objections from all neighbours, attached, next door and bottom of garden. she had taken into account their comments when designing the extension. When she talked to planning, they said that what she originally wanted to do (bigger and taller) would have passed anyway. She withdrew the application, put one in for the bigger and taller extension and it was passed. if they hadnt objected and recognised that she has taken into account their views she would have ended up with a smaller extension.

[Sausagedog27]

Actually though, would the bay window need planning permission to be removed? Ie is it being removed to facilitate an extension or are you just removing it and altering it as part of a wider scheme or renovations? If its the latter it's not a valid planning reason as you could do it anyway under the permitted development rights.