To object to this planning application with a Mumsnet style diagram

[daimbar]

Me, DP and DC live in a city centre flat with a small but lovely roof terrace - our only outside space.

At the moment our terrace is adjacent to a flat roof so totally private and not overlooked by anyone.

Our next door neighbour rents out her property on Airbnb most weekends. No problem with that. She frequently rents her flat to large groups of people who use our shared fire escape - below mine and DP's bedroom window - as a smoking area. Not ideal but we accept a certain level of noise and smoke pollution is inevitable living in the city centre.

However, neighbour has now decided she wants to build upwards and build an extension and roof terrace on her roof which is immediately adjacent to our roof terrace. I am concerned our only outside space will be spoilt by groups of people drinking, smoking and partying, not to mention the fact they will be able to look directly in our bedroom window from the proposed new terrace.

I have spoken to her about my concerns and asked if she is prepared to discuss a compromise (such as an extension with no terrace) but she literally stamped her foot and said she was going ahead with her plans.

I know Mumsnetters loves a diagram. I have submitted a strongly worded objection to her planning application along with this diagram (me drawing on her architect's plans) to the planning committee. AIBU?

I'd object. Mostly because she stamped her foot at you

YANBU. You can say what you like in response to a consultation. The planning officer will filter out anything unreasonable, untrue or not planning related and make a decision based on fact, policy, precedent and professional opinion.

So is her roof terrace basically going to mirror yours?

Hmm, I am not sure you have any reasonable objections that the planning committee will take into account. To me, it looks like a terraced street in the sky, small gardens and houses next to each other. However I cannot see your windows/where your daylight comes from so that may be taken into account.

Ugh yeah that looks rubbish :-(

Can you complain to her building leaseholder re airbnb? I can't think the other flats in her building are happy with the situation? Or does she have SOF?

I thought planners were cracking down on roof terraces for the whole privacy issue?

Might be worth paying for a planning consultant to help you structure an objection that will really count.

Don't you hate it when someone literally posts exactly what you were going to Sunshinegirls

Did the new tax rules re. short term letting come into effect? If they did or not, I'd certainly pretend they had when speaking to your neighbour.

Perhaps this is NIMBYism but her attitude eliminated goodwill.

I can see why you don't want it. Could you suggest as a compromise a smaller terrace, that would leave a neutral zone between you, and could be fringed by some bamboos or something to preserve more of your privacy?

Belinda - no it won't mirror ours it's a new design with a taller building than us (an en suite master bedroom) and a bigger terrace

I think the only actual ground for objection from your diagram is being overlooked. Light pollution is a fact of life in a city and you can't restrict what people do on their own terrace unless the lease put restrictions on it. If I were you I'd contact her freeholder and complain about the fact the place is a party house and she doesn't seem to be living there but is regularly subletting to inconsiderate holiday makers. What do her neighbours in that building make of it all, do you know?

Thanks 5 a planning consultant is a good idea. We've been speaking to the council but they are pretty useless.

Neighbour has a serious attitude problem! She can be very charming but as soon as she doesn't get her own way she turns nasty.

Wow downstairs neighbours are submitting objections too. They flat downstairs is really annoyed at the fire escape being used by smokers as it's right outside their window - at least it's slightly below us.

Honestly I'd object but I'd also move.

"I just don't like it" is not a viable objection in reality. Does it impinge on your right to light/ will the lighting they need to have shine into your bedroom, e.g., will give your objection more substance.

As much as it's annoying, that's an awesome plan - her flat is going to be amazing! Her rental income will likely double or triple but yes I can see how it will be inconvenient for you.

You should consult a planning consultant, and also ask them to look at whether there has been a material change in the residential use which would justify a planning enforcement file being opened.

a* for your drawing. I especially like the stick man peering in your bedroom.

I'm not sure if yours is attached but could it cause a flood risk to you?

Does the Airbnb letting count as a business? Is she allowed to run a business from there? Tbh I'd start from there because as much as your objections are understandable I don't think they make a difference in planning law.

That is a GREAT diagram! Love the little notes!

Yeah that looks wank OP. Refuse to allow permission, and I agree with a pp, that I think you should move.

I like the stick man with the little guitar!

As Alanna says.
It could be construed that your neighbour is using her home as a business which opens a can of worms for her, if she is not complying with relevant legislation.

So is your bedroom part of a roof terrace? That's what I'm getting at. What makes it any different to your extension?

I've got Rightmove up!

YANBU and I would be on your side anyway because the diagram fucking rocks.

Superb diagram