Neighbour’s extension - stressed!

[HildegardeCrowe]

I live in a mid terrace and the neighbour’s are building a side return extension. All amicable so far even though I now have a high brick wall outside my kitchen window. The roof has just had a velux put in which is protruding considerably above the roofline (pics attached) and unsightly. The approved plans (attached) show the velux as being flush with the roof.
AIBU to mention this to see if anything can be done? Really don’t want to get the planning department involved as the delay to their work will be considerable.

sorry to add to your disappointment, but unless you have an agreement, you can't paint next door's wall or attach anything to it.

You should ask your Council's Planning Dept about it and tell them that is is not what plans show and that you want it changed and have they inspected the site/are they going to inspect the site? Only Planning can make neighbour change it.

@HildegardeCrowe

I look out all the time. My kitchen window is on the side as is the window of my living room which faces the back too. Typical mid terrace Victorian set up. I had a bit of a view onto the gardens and now I have none. Anyway will just have to see what the neighbours say, I know a lot of you think I’m being petty....

I said before I do sympathise, however I don't like your comment about looking our onto the gardens plural. I wouldn't like my neighbour standing staring into my garden, maybe it's one reason they've put the wall (and extension) up. If the extension and window are something you think you can't come to terms with then you need to move to a property where a neighbour's future extension can't be built in a way that would annoy you so much

Thanks @tara66, that’s what I’ve decided to do. If planning say it’s ok, sobeit.

They have said you can attach stuff to it and been quite nice but you are going to go back to planners? And, I don't believe you stand looking at this wall all of the time - but if you do, you need to go and get a life, OP.

Jeez, this is so petty. Planning has agreed it, and you are just going to have more fall outs with your neighbours - is that what your really want? Perhaps it is. I cannot see how a velux being moved 2 inches lower will change that huge wall view, anyway. Many people are doing these side return extensions.

I think you should save the moving fees and use them to create your own side return extension that will give you a new lease of life and enjoy more space.

Yanbu but it's more like the velux is the final straw. The wall next to your window is hideously obstructive and no decent neighbour would have built this close. Unfortunately there are many selfish people around and planning departments just don't seem to say no enough these days.

In a conservation area, people can be made to use special roof lights which are completely flush. We have 2 that were here when we moved in.

Akebia quinata grows well in shade and with restricted roots.

I think you should save the moving fees and use them to create your own side return extension that will give you a new lease of life and enjoy more space.

That rather assumes that OP has the money to do that. Loss of light/view is not some inconsequential trifle.

@Santaisironingwrappingpaper

Think I would want some film over my window now!!

You've lost a view but, on the bright side, you've gained a lot of privacy. You could wash up in your bra and knickers now and no one would know. Technically you're not allowed to attached trellis to as it's their wall, but hopefully they'll be understanding.

Just be aware that you cant actually do anything with the wall unless the neighbours agree - no painting, no trellis, no climbing plants.

The plans don't specify Velux but a "roof light fitted according to manufacturers instructions" which is different and does sit on the roof rather than within it, and is actually so vague it gives them lots of room to choose what they want. Unfortunately I think you won't get very far.

@Soontobe60

Just be aware that you cant actually do anything with the wall unless the neighbours agree - no painting, no trellis, no climbing plants.

OP already has permission

They’ve agreed I can attach things which is good

They might withdraw the permission if she keeps complaining.

Are you allowed to paint the wall or attach hanging baskets when it's someone else's wall? (I'm genuinely interested, not being arsey). Even its it's looking at you, surely your not allowed to drill into it or anything?

@jajabanks

Yes if given permission - which the op has.
If no permission is granted by the owner of the wall/fence etc, then no, you have no right to do anything to it.

Ok just seen my comment has been answered just before