To say NO! to the backyard bungalow builder's latest application?

[OhDoAdmitMrsDeVere]

Got a letter from planning today.

Neigbours finally got round to applying for planning for the humoungous fence they put up in the summer.

It is there to stop us seeing what is going on in the gym house they builit in their small urban back garden.

The fence is ugly and very tall. It is attached to the fence that we already have which is the regulation height so its is totally unecessary (apart from to act as a screen).

I dont like it, it impinges on my garden and my neighbours have behaved like total bastards over the bungalow that they should never have built.

What do I say in response to the letter. Are any of my lovely planning people around to advise on the wording?

If people are not familiar with the bungalow saga they can see pics in my profile.

Perhaps the plastic shed is the gym for the people who live in the bungalow? In a few months there will be a wendy house for the people who live in the new "gym"...
Sorry MrsDV... (bump!)

I thought outbuildings, structures, decking etc couldn't take up more than half the area of the garden, but I don't know if that includes the area of both front and back gardens, or just the front. The planning portal says the area of the land around the original house, but when I spoke to my local planning about a (non-bungalow related) project I'm planning, they seemed to suggest that it was just the back garden.

I know you probably don't feel like ringing them yet again, but that might be the quickest way to get a definitive answer.

Try not to let the bastards grind you down

Yes, the OP is right - no more than half the area of land around the "original house" should be covered by additions or other buildings, including sheds. It doesn't matter if the owner says they are for domestic use. There are other rules regarding size of structure and proximity to boundaries - planning portal has a full list on the interactive house bit. The original house is the house as originally built, without any later extensions or additions.

Sounds like the enforcement section should be given a hefty nudge...

... the 50% rule applies to all of the land around the house, not just the back garden. The areas of the bungalow gym, any other extensions and the shed should be added up.

I wish they would take the sodding fence down!

I'm surprised you haven't heard anything yet - applications are supposed to be determined in eight weeks. Ring the planner and wake him up ask whats going on.

Oh CRIKEY!

I looked on the website and it only had that the application had been made. no update.

Luckily when I sent the letter I also sent an email copy to my local councillor so at least I have email proof.

My LA is falling apart at the seams at the moment. I cant say I am suprised nothing has happened.

bumping for the MN planning department :o

They aim to determine applications within 8 weeks but it's not unusual to go beyond that period, especially if you have a challenging application or need to fit in with the Committee cycle.

Have they put a target date for determination on the website MrsD?

No harm in asking the planner for a progress update seeing as how you are all inconvenienced and everything as the weather improves....

An application for a fence is hardly challenging, and the OP should have been told by now if it was going to committee - get your local councillor to make some 'enquiries'...

This is a contentious application with enforcement history. MrsD wouldn't necessarily be notified of the method of determination. Some authorities notify. We didn't unless requested.

But yes. Councillors are sometimes up to speed with progress and can certainly find out.

Or you could just ring the case officer directly.

I cannot believe you are still having to put up with this MrsDV. ... it must be so wearing for you...

Keep battling !

( and a small plea for more posts with the word "erection" in, which pathetically always make me laugh)

You should see the emails I send wizzler I have a little challenge with myself as to how many times I can get erection in them.
I think the planning department have caught on to my game and they like to quote the sentences containing the word.

blah blah blah because we note you state in your email 'I can still see the huge erection from my back bedroom'

You just know they are doing it on purpose