To have given my neighbour short shrift on the phone after I allowed access under false pretences

[TooManywines]

Neighbour is almost at the end of a first storey extension.
i never opposed any of the plans and as she was extending to the end of her garden I figured that it would give my small garden a litttle bit more privacy. I can see having reviewed the plans her builder has built out 1400 more than was on the plans.

she messaged me to ask if her builder could come into my garden as he needed to make a small hole - there are three brick vents n the new bit so I summised he must’ve been adding to it.

my DD text me at mid day to let me know we had a window facing directly into my garden - I check on my CCTV and she was right.

i phoned the neighbour aghast and asked her what the hell she was playing at and that the window was definitely not on the PP application-her response
‘we needed more light’ 😩

I told her under no uncertain terms that her builder was to vacate my property and to stop work

AIBU to ask them to brick up the window and return it back to how it was - I’m tempted to call the planning enforcement officer so they can see all the other gaffs they’ve made but panicking that she might get asked to tear it all down - which although I’m really cross about I’d not want that to happen.

Crikey that’s a botched attempt if ever I saw one. Don’t sit under it in case it tumbles out!

Utterly disgraceful behaviour from neighbour.

Looks bodged to me.

Surely there should be a lintel above supporting the brickwork 🤔

Goodness that looks like it was installed by a blindfolded toddler during an earthquake

The sneaky neighbour with the new window won’t be able to see how bad the brickwork is unless she trespasses onto OPs garden. She will, however, notice the eventual internal damp due to water ingress over time…

The basketball hoop.sounds like a great idea while you wait for the outcome from your complaint. Place it directly up against your wall so that it prevents their window from opening too.

I’d hate the damp to be exacerbated by my daily clumsy plant hosing
🤷‍♀️

flat roof will probably be a roof terrace …..

From my house and back patio door this window is about 4 meters away

I don’t have the money to build a wall

Well, at that proximity to your house, and practically in your garden, window is dominating/ oppressive. Detrimental to your visual/ residential amenity, can’t have peaceful enjoyment of your garden due to lack of privacy and overlooking.

There is probably more. Of course no permission, and went into your garden to put it in on the sly. It is even a rubbish job.

I can't wait for more of the story. I agree I bet you that flat roof turns into a terrace that also overlooks your garden.

Do something fast. Before you know where you are you could be lowering the value of your home. NEVER, EVER, under any circumstances allow them to take up the boundary fence without your putting one you your side, even two strings of wire.

Did your neighbour obtain planning permission? Do you know if the extension passes local authority Buildings Inspector? Does in conform to the Buildings Regulations? Look those up on the web. If your neighbour is connecting water to the extension, and involves drains, it is illegal not to have the Buildings Inspector oversee the work.

I built a disabled living extension to my house. It was architect designed and planning permission, and from that I learned that you MUST have Building Regulations too, and your builder should notify the local authority at each stage f the work. If your house is in a high radon gas area, it is also illegal NOT TO have a radon gas extractor pipe.

Can you get someone to spray frosting on the outside of the windows?

That's what I thought

The builders have done a terrible job

A nice big trellis with dense climbers built in front of that window.

But this is not acceptable. I hate those who think they can build what they want and disregard the rules and others. I am.glad you have reported it.

Have you a local community person who are on the case about planning (usually kick into action about brownbelt/greenbelt/housing development). They might have guidance and info to help.

I’m relieved to hear you’ve turned the hose on the window. This is the stage where you need to be clear fucking with you will not end well and you will not roll over. I would think if they open the window you can take an axe to anything sticking into your property illegally. I’d consider this the next time it’s open, can your son /partner /you climb a ladder and take a few swings at it?

Such a shame you’ll be putting a bbq or fire pit right under the window. Who knew the fish you are bbq was off

2 long poles with a wood sheet blocking the window you know because of cricket balls rounders balls.

Any suggestions of what we can do/add in front of that window - on a low budget gratefully received

Dork do anything. If the planning dept and enforcement officer are decent, which they are in my area, they will make sure window is removed and out back how it was. Don't waste time or money doing anything yourself at this stage.

agree with this - if it comes to it I'm sure you can get lots of good suggestions but for now let the planning department do their thing and hopefully you won't need to do anything yourself

I just thought - if the builder needs access to your garden again get lots of guarantees about compensation if they cause any damage and that the finish will be high quailty. It wouldn't surprise me if they do a shitty looking job as some kind of petty revenge (assuming they don't need tear the whole thing down now planning are involved!). Im wondering if you can demand it's carried out by a differnt bulider?

That sealing job is so bad! I spy a cowboy builder….

A big sign saying Down With Peeping Toms, facing onwards obviously.

What do your actual deeds say about the boundary? The overhanging eaves on that roof make me wonder if the boundary isn't actually the wall. That is worth checking.