Our neighbour hides in the bush to avoid saying "Hi" to us - Silly Fool!

[MummyOfLittleBigGirl]

We live in a 3 bed semi & our neighbour also lives in a 3 bed semi.
Last year they submitted a planning application to turn their 3 bed semi into a 5 bed, 3 bathroom semi with an extra drive.

Their 19 year old daughter happened to mention it in conversation.
Two weeks later, her Father came over and said:
"I believe my daughter mentioned that we are putting an application in to extend our house." I said "Yes, she did"
That was it.. our neighbours didn't show us their plans and just submitted their application.

We viewed the application online and were completely shocked! As their application would have infringed on our privacy and that of the neighbouring houses.

We raised objections and council agreed, and refused permission:
"In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the proposed two storey front and rear extensions, raising the roof ridge and rear decking area by virtue of the excessive rear depth, forward projection and excessive crown roof section would be considered as an un- subservient, incongruous form of development which would un-proportionately elongate the depth and have an unacceptable level of impact on the character and appearance of the host dwellings, the street scene and would be detrimental to the residential character and appearance of the surrounding area."

Our neighbours applied again in January 2014 - this time our neighbours provided us with their plans. When we said that we had objections they didn't want to know and submitted their plans regardless, telling us "building work won't begin until March 2014."

We raised our objections and the council refused permission for (almost) similar reasons they refused the first application:
"In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the proposed rear extensions and decking area by means of their significant depth, height, mass and bulk would appear dominant, overbearing and result in a loss of daylight, outlook and sunlight. The proposal would be considered as un-neighbourly, overbearing and visually intrusive form of development to the immediate neighbours at No. X and No. Y of Z Lane to the detriment of their amenities which they currently enjoy. The proposal would also result in the loss of privacy due to the depth and elevated position of the rear decking area."

At the beginning of May 2014 they submitted another application & we submitted our objections to the council. However, this time our neighbours didn't tell us anything about their recent application.
In fact they are not speaking to us.

Which is so silly after living next door to them for 14 years.
We have no hard feelings towards our neighbours at all!

On Friday our neighbour was gardening as I drove up and I walked up with my daughter & said "Hi ya!"
Silly fool hid in the bushes and acted as if he didn't see us..

Should we ignore them or continue to say "Hello"?

[GemmaTeller]

Definately carry on saying 'hello' (I would even if it just winds them up)

[BuzzardBird]

Definitely carry on saying "hello", its his issue, not yours.

[NoArmaniNoPunani]

Keep saying hello. I wonder why they don't just move.

[MummyOfLittleBigGirl]

That's exactly what I will do!
Say "Hi ya" wave & smile!

We don't know why they don't just move, either.

If they have the funds to turn a 3 bed semi into a 5 bed semi they should just buy a 5 bed house. Turning a 3 bed semi into a 5 bed semi is a massive undertaking - moving would be a better option.
Albeit we do live in a lovely area.

I have a funny feeling that this new application is going to be refused as well.

Our architect (my DH's Uncle) submitted the objections and in it he noted the following:
"because the current application fails to address the earlier reasons for refusal I ask that this application should be refused planning permission."

[scarletforya]

He sounds comically thick!

[RahRahRasputin]

It seems to have become a bit of a competition. They probably care more about getting the application approved, and sticking two fingers up at those who object, than they do about actually extending their house I hope the next application is refused as it all sounds very intrusive. Keep saying hello and try to maintain neighbourly relations as best you can.

[MummyOfLittleBigGirl]

ITA with you, RahRahRasputin!
It does seem that way..
We are trying to maintain neighbourly relations but yesterday when DH was doing the gardening they, once again, hid from his view.
It is very difficult!
The council's decision will be made on, or shortly after the 27th of May, so I'll keep you posted.

[RahRahRasputin]

How bizarre. Is your daughter young enough to keep waving and shouting hello until they respond?

"Hello, Mr and Mrs Neighbour, why are you in the bush?"
"Mummy, why are Mr and Mrs Neighbour hiding in the bush?"
"Hello, I can seeeeeee you"
...


Good luck for 27th!

[MummyOfLittleBigGirl]

LOL!!!

My DD is 6 years old now - she's been called the "Health & Safety Girl".

Ironically, when Mr Neighbour went in the bushes she followed him and said:
"Mr Neighbour I did say Hello! .. but if you're having a pee in the bushes that's ok. My cousin Christopher does the same. Just make sure you wash your hands when you're finished."

The silly fool just ignored her and kept his back turned.

I couldn't help but laugh and told her
"come on love, leave him be.."
Sweet little thing thought I said
"leave him to pee.."

[DrinkFeckArseGirls]

At your DD, OP.

[MummyOfLittleBigGirl]

Urrgghhh... it's still at "Pending Consideration"... will keep you all updated..

[MummyOfLittleBigGirl]

Oh goodness me! The council have gone and given them bloody permission - I don't believe it.

DH said "Oh that's why Mr. Neighbour waved at me and acknowledged my presence."

The decision was made today and I am SHOCKED not sure what to do.

Have sent an email to DH's Uncle (who is an architect) to see if there is anything we could do with regards to our "right to light" or "easement".
However this is all so very upsetting!

[MummyOfLittleBigGirl]

Apologies for being MIA - had to reset password.
UPDATE:
The neighbours house looks a state!
They've had several builders and contractors walk off site.
It took them 18 months to complete and now they have wires hanging from the front of their house. Ring their door bell and takes your chances.
...and.. we won with regards to Right of Light.
They had to pay us 10's of thousands of pounds in compensation.
We're going to let our house out next year and move.
All turned out ok but would have preferred them not to start the build in the first place.
I bet they're wishing the same, looking at the end result of their house.

[Floggingmolly]

How or why did the Council overturn the previous refusal when they basically submitted the same plans again? Planning permission shouldn't be a game of who gets bored and gives in first
Pretty shocking.

[WhatchaMaCalllit]

I was wondering why a zombie thread was resurrected...that's mad about the neighbours being given permission to build considering the previous attempts had failed. It is also amazing that their builders have left the place in the state you say it is in.

Did you not have the right to appeal the planning application when it was granted back in 2014?