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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

New neighbour aggravation how would you approach?

75 replies

Onthedowns · 04/01/2018 23:30

So we live in semi detached property on our left side we have a shared boundary and driveway to our garage with another bungalow. There was a very elderly lady lived there who we wrongly assumed had no family, we and other neighbours helped her but she never had visitors. 4 months ago she sadly passed left property to a nephew who turns out lives 5 minutes away but was too busy to ever visit despite falls hospital admissions etc. Cue within a week of her dying him and his wife and her family in and out going through possessions etc chucking things out. I know it’s not normal but doesn’t sit right with me just find it distasteful. Cut a long story short they applied for planning permission for loft conversion and huge rear extension, during this time we had some concerns with regards to light into our kitchen and it would be severely effected by the loft conversion(hip to gable) I posted on a Facebook group site for experience or advice. Few people suggested things. This was In July Fast forward to October I am holiday get a Facebook message from the wife asking why I am querying light issues etc etc! She sends me a screen shot of my post , I am gobsmacked I don’t know her name etc etc. I replied saying we weren’t being difficult but had concerns etc etc. She was very pushy saying there won’t be any issues her builder said so they want to push on with permission and building.

So this sets alarms bells ringing not sure how she found my name etc etc!! Planning permission was rejected on few isssues. They are going ahead regardless with what they can under permitted development. Disappointed they think we scuppered it( we didn’t) every time I see her she’s nosey pushy and stroppy. Dropping in how quickly they are going to push on etc their builder isn’t going to mess about but it will affect us

OP posts:
Gingernaut · 04/01/2018 23:34

When you opposed planning permission, your name and your letter wouldhave been published on the LA website or been documented at the committee stage.

All the wife had to do was look you up on Facebook. She clearly found you, posting about the same problem on a group thread.

Original poster
Onthedowns · 04/01/2018 23:34

Sory press send!! I am dreading the work 4/5 months of it and the Mess. She’s indIcated a skip on our shared drive this can’t happen. Council indicated they need permission for anything to be our boundary line. I find them very intimidating 2 diners

How would you deal with this womanm

OP posts:
Figrollsnotfatrolls · 04/01/2018 23:35

If she is building legally just get a set of headphones and sing along whenever she is nearby. Ignore her, check with council regarding plans though. We had similar issues with our lovely old neighbour. The family threw all her photo albums on the top of the wheelie bin. I actually cried.
She had her dd out of wedlock, big thing in those days she told me, but kept her regardless, how she slept nights treating her dm how she did in her last weeks I don't know.

Original poster
Onthedowns · 04/01/2018 23:35

We didn’t oppose planning as there was no point. We commented about the light this was done when we got back and in November as they hadn’t submitted it yet

OP posts:
Supermagicsmile · 04/01/2018 23:36

Go back to the council and clarify.

Pearlsaringer · 04/01/2018 23:36

Could you invite her round for coffee next time she’s there, to clear the air? If you can get her to hear that you weren’t responsible for their not getting planning permission she might listen to your worries about the light.

Original poster
Onthedowns · 04/01/2018 23:39

I explained about the light worries via Facebook message we weren’t being difficult but it was our family home too etc. She wasn’t bothered as her builder told her it’s fine!! We had surveyor look and we will lose over 60% of natural light. Council helpful but as conversion can be done under permitted nothing they can do. It was rejected to issues with the large rear extension. They have applied under permitted development scheme now

OP posts:
Original poster
Onthedowns · 05/01/2018 05:19

They just appear not concerned about either neighbour

OP posts:
WhatToDoAboutThis2017 · 05/01/2018 05:52

She’s indIcated a skip on our shared drive this can’t happen.

Why “can’t” this happen?

Mummyoflittledragon · 05/01/2018 06:10

Because op will have to give permission and she doesn’t want to.

WhatToDoAboutThis2017 · 05/01/2018 06:28

But why? It feels like she’s just being difficult because the work is still going ahead, so I wanted to know if there was a genuine reason.

ButDoYouAvocado · 05/01/2018 06:34

I wouldnt want someones skip on my drive either.

VivaLeBeaver · 05/01/2018 06:38

I would reply back saying you’d been told by your surveyor that you will lose 60% of light. Then point out that in the end you didn’t oppose the plans. Tell her you’ve no wish to fall out over it and wish her well for the building work. Ask her how long she wants to keep a skip on the shared drive for and if you can put up with it let her keep the skip there.....a few weeks of aggrevation is worth it if it helps neighbour relations.

wonkylegs · 05/01/2018 06:39

Even if they are having the work done under permitted development, anything that affects the party wall between your properties (which in the case of loft conversions is usually the supporting steelwork)
Requires them to serve you with a party wall notice - this is to ensure that any damage they cause whilst doing the work is paid for by them.
Info here www.gov.uk/party-walls-building-works

SavoyCabbage · 05/01/2018 07:05

I would do what Viva says.

Your biggest problem here is that they are going to be living next to you.

Nobody want to live next to building works but sometimes it happens. I’d be much more concerned about the tension going forward.

BoneyBackJefferson · 05/01/2018 07:11

WhatToDoAboutThis2017

Why “can’t” this happen?

It may stop access to the garage?

Cantuccit · 05/01/2018 07:12

WhatToDo

What if OP wants to park her car in the garage? The skip wiuld block access.

OP, I would contact the planning dept to say you with to object. See what your rights are.

Also, refuse permission for them to build to your boundary.

Original poster
Onthedowns · 05/01/2018 07:33

Sorry should have said we aren’t joined and we need access to our drive, it’s at least 3:4 months of work. Which is fine I guess I just wouldn’t have taken the approach she has. I don’t wish to fall out but she has been very pushy and inconsiderate

OP posts:
BashStreetKid · 05/01/2018 07:34

There's nothing OP can object to in terms of planning if the work is within permitted development.

Original poster
Onthedowns · 05/01/2018 07:37

The council have told us we have to give permission for anything on our boundary scaffolding etc. But nothing we can do with loss of light . Her joining neighbour will
Also lose light as her ground extension was to big and refused on this basis, now going round permitted development permissions

OP posts:
Mousewatch · 05/01/2018 07:43

Don't give permission for anything on your boundary, if she's being a cunt about things then I wouldn't make it easy.

Cantuccit · 05/01/2018 07:44

Are the plans actually within permitted development? I.e. The size doesn't exceed maximum allowed ?

flumpybear · 05/01/2018 08:01

I'd write a list of concerns on the online planning system including you don't agree to them using the driveway for building works or skips etc as it'll severely affect your access, mention the light too. There may have to be a party boundary investigation, think it's if building work is within three m of your building but don't quote me on that

WhatToDoAboutThis2017 · 05/01/2018 08:27

we need access to our drive,

Is there no on street parking?

LIZS · 05/01/2018 08:33

Surely an extension within pd , presumably now smaller single storey or loft, won't affect you so drastically. They still need to conform to buildings reg regarding any overlooking windows etc. I'm confused though, why not object through relevant channels rather than on fb and how is the council stipulating about the boundary if pp not required. Do you use your drive regularly or could you come to an agreement re. Skip.