Planning Objection- Help!

[5amisnotmorning]

So a derelict bungalow on the plot to one side of our house and within a couple of metres of our boundary has applied for planning permission.

We spoke to the family who bought it who reassured us that it would be 2 storeys but it wouldn't be too big, they were planning to centre it in the plot and it wouldn't be higher than ours. Being reasonable people we thought not ideal but OK.

So what they have actually applied for is the biggest, tallest house they can fit onto the plot. It has windows on the side looking onto our front garden and into the front windows of our house and will overlook our back garden. At the moment, both of these are completely with no other houses overlooking. It will also look overbearing as you enter our driveway. This is rural countryside with some development but this is a smallish plot, around a quarter of an acre, it is centred between 3 other houses and will involve tearing down natural hedges which the deer and rabbits use as habitats.

Does anyone know what legitimate arguments for objection we can use or where we go about finding the best details or advice? No wonder they didn't actually come round to discuss the application!

[Quodlibet]

I think you can ring the planning office for advice? Or there should be guidance on the council's website about planning standards.

Negative impact on wildlife habitat is a valid objection I think, as is overlooking windows. It sounds like there may be all sorts of reasons they are asked to modify their plans.

[StepAwayFromTheThesaurus]

Being out of scale with the plot and surroundings is also grounds, I think.

[PuraVida]

Have a look at your local plan. If your area hasn't got one yet then just look at the NPPF and highlight any policies therein that this development specifically doesn't comply with

[JT05]

There could also be issues with taking down an ancient hedge to create a drive with splayed site lines. Planning now often requires a turning circle so that a car can enter and leave in forward gear.

[5amisnotmorning]

Thanks so much. They have put an in and drive forward out but the lane is narrow and there is no way a normal car would actually be able to turn into the lane let alone the vehicles that will be required to deliver goods to site.

[GoodLuckTime]

If you google around you will be able to find the guidelines for planning permission and what are the grounds for objection.

Privacy / overlooking is one, i think, so you should be able to object on those grounds, especially if they will be able to see into your windows and gardens.

Views is another whereas light is a not (from what i remember)

[Obeliskherder]

Yes get the LA's rules on what you can object to, and tailor your objection specifically to those grounds. They should bo on your local govt website, or speak to the planning office.

You can speak to a planning officer and they may come out to inspect the site/impact from your side. Ours was v helpful. We said we expected flats to be built on the neighbouring plot at some point but she was very clear that no, it wasn't inevitable at all. We objected successfully back then and ten years on, still no flats.