Noisy neighbours

[wearenearlythere1]

We built an extension and as the garden had a strong slope we ended up raising the level up. So now there is only a 4foot wall. We also removed the vegetation on our side because we needed the space.

Our neighbour behind are complaining because the extension is causing an echo (they also have no vegetation). I agreed to raise the wall hight with a fence panel, so we are not looking in. She still is not happy because she wants the noise blocked off. She says she can hear every conversation I have even when I am in the house. The kids in the garden. How do I even meet that demand?

Building control is not the same as planning sometimes they are joined sometimes not . Glad you got an architect (who also iignore planning sometimes ) I was just going on what you said about copying online plans .

But I stand by what I said that I’d you raise the ground level by more than a mere you will get caught by planning which is when overlooking and privacy comes into play ( and garden size if that applied )
A lot of extensions these days are covered by Permitted development rules but ground raising hasn’t been changed . Did you seek planning advice beforehand ?

So she doesn't have much vegetation but is cross you removed yours?

Agree, you could go and listen and increase fence panel height. But really, if she wants 4ft of bushes she should plant them in her garden.

2bees stop criticising- you don't know the planning or otherwise. What is your bag? You're so negative.

There’s a Spanish’s restaurant near me that I can’t bare to eat in because of the noise, there are absolutely no soft furnishings o absorb the noise.
What I’m trying to say, is the more plants you have in the garden, the more noise will be absorbed. And why they have those massive tall fences along some motorways. Raise the wall/ fence as much as possible, and plant shrubs or bamboo in pots if you don't have beds. Black bamboo is clump forming and good in a pot but needs regular watering.
If she hears an echo from the house too, have you got rugs/ blinds/ cushions? I have a kitchen extension that gave me a headache at meals because they seems so much noisier. Just adding a fabric Roman blind across the bifolds has made a huge difference. (Blinds direct, not expensive).
I have sympathy for you both, I’m sure she’s not being awkward for the sake of it.

@CrystalMaisie

All your suggestions are really good, she is a nice lady. She want to enjoy her garden and is at a different stage of life to me and has different needs. I want to enjoy mine too but not at someone else's total expense.

To be honest I had not paid too much attention to soft furnishings indoors. I have 2 young kids and I am keeping the doctor minimalist but they are getting more sensible and I can do something nice inside.

We were lucky to get in just before lockdown and I had a long list of jobs to be completed. The garden was on there but I definitely had more pressing things.

I am glad I came on here for the helpful suggestions from so many helpful people

If you've got kids, maybe think about a washable rug that can go in your machine.

@Puffalicious
2bees stop criticising- you don't know the planning or otherwise

I am a qualified planner ….
I have asked op if planning permission was applied for to raise the ground level and she hasn’t responded. That’s telling …….

OP. As others have said if you have no soft furnishings in the extension then all noise you make will bounce around the room and be heard through open windows and doors even with gre4nery in the way. I know because my neighbours opposite have the same issue and they have a 18ft leylandi hedge between our garden and theirs and we hear them in the kitchen extension often. Rugs, curtains or fabric blinds will help also wall hangings or panels would all help reduce the echo. Just some things to absorb the sound can make a huge difference

Trellis across the top and some sort of climber. They need very little ground space. You can pick a couple that will flower at different times. You will need proper advice on which sort. Post on gardening board.

[quote 2beesornot2beesthatisthehoney]@Puffalicious
2bees stop criticising- you don't know the planning or otherwise

I am a qualified planner ….
I have asked op if planning permission was applied for to raise the ground level and she hasn’t responded. That’s telling …….[/quote]
You asked her and then almost immediately went on a weird diatribe assuming she hadn’t, without giving her a chance to respond. Really odd.

You basically turned your extension and garden into an amphitheatre directing all the noise down to her. No wonder she's upset.

You need to raise the wall and look at something to absorb the noise.

@wearenearlythere1

Do people think something like this would be nice on top of a 4 foot wall? I haven't shopped round for a good price this is just the first one to come up

These are fast and excellent. I was in a house a couple of years ago where someone put it up when new neighbours took down 60 year old hedging.

I agree you have a neighbour problem.
Block the view of her out and tell her she needs to add vegetation to HER side if she has an issue.

Hopefully by blocking her out it will help.

I agree you have a neighbour problem

The OP caused this problem, not the neighbour!

OP look up outdoor noise absorbing panels or flooring.

@2beesornot2beesthatisthehoney

I didn't respond to you because I kind of felt you were looking for a specific storyline here.

You don't even know what country I am in....let alone the planning laws and they are. I didn't think it was relevant to point this out because i wasn't asking about planning regulations I was asking about noise insulation!

Btw even if I was in the uk I have said earlier in the thread that it is two foot, so less than the amount you have stipulated.

@BlackeyedSusan

Great suggestion. I will post there. Thanks

@wearenearlythere1
Well if you are in the uk , the maximum you can raise the land by is 300mm or 1 ft you have raised it by 2 ft so exceeded the maximum for uk development.

@2beesornot2beesthatisthehoney

Thanks for the information. Not in the uk, so not relevant to me but I guess if some in the uk was in the same boat they may appreciate your technical expertise.

@wearenearlythere1
Fair enough. I am glad we do have planning laws , they are there to ensure fairness and that the right development is in the right place. ( I know that some people will probably dispute that . You don’t say where you are but If you are in Ireland , planning laws there , are catching up slowly .
Hope you sort things with your neighbour , but don’t forget, this was a result of you , raising the level of your land . Morally if not lawfully the onus is on you to sort it properly.

@thelastgoldeneagle

We both used to have trees on either sides of the wall, so it isn't only us who removed the trees. We spoke to them when we moved back in re design of fences although we didn't make a final decision. The houses are offset. So we back between 2 gardens. I did ask the guy who lives in that house, just in passing when I seen him in the supermarket, he says he never ever hears us but maybe he was being polite. I don't know. I know he works out of the home and I guess her issue is in working hours.