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.

To me it looks like it is well above head height and not on a stairway? Not sure if I'm understanding the diagram correctly? Even so I wouldn't want it overlooking my garden, but wondering if neighbour doesn't feel it is a big problem because no one would be able to look out of it, unless they stand on something.

A velux would have been much better, but I guess more expensive.

If the legal avenues fail and she's allowed to keep the window then I would be regularly painting over it whilst constructing something to completely obscure it. If being generous/looking to reduce the chance of any potential claim of damages can use a more washable/peelable glass paint - from the positioning of the window it's not going to be simple for her to clean off.

Actually I'd be tempted to do this now to push the point - you will never enjoy light from this window and it's going to be a constant bone of contention until it's gone, you will regret ignoring planning restrictions which are there for a reason.

Don't try to be amicable.
This is a serious legal breach.
It will impact the value and resale of your home.
Keep it professional and report to planning enforcement.

Paint the window with black paint.
Cheeky cow.

Lots of people suggesting criminal damage. Do not do that.

She can grow a big plant or hang a black out plastic sheet on her side that covers the windwo (but don't touch her wall.)
That's not illegal.

Cover it in mud then don't allow access for cleaning

I would cover if with trellis so they can't see through or open their window.

nice
i think my sons would be up for this

You need to block light from your side.
Plants trellis
Poster
Flag
Whatever.

I liked your basketball hoop idea you said at the start of the thread

Cheapest way is probably a flag on a pole given the height. I'd make this a blackout flag!

You shouldn't have to pay for anything to mask it. They should remove it.

I hope the planners are on your side. Do contact your local councillor - they will have had to look at the plans prior to approval.

This will always affect you, anger you, and devalue your property.

Also, is she planning to access your garden every time she needs to get the gutters cleaned? Window cleaned? I would also be very concerned about drainage.

So sorry OP. The worst part is, the council won't do a damned thing. They don't have the resources and builders know this and always push it as far as they can. What I don't get is at the end of the process there is a building control inspection and it's like they don't even check the original plans!!! Our neighbours were denied a full height roof for their mega renovations in original plan.. Did it anyway, caused a massive storm in the village (in a heavily restricted conservation area) and after the villagers all complained they still were allowed to keep it.

I think a nice outdoor kitchen area with a wood burning smoker directly under that window would be a lovely idea! Come the summer they will simply love the aroma of slow cooked meats wafting into their extension.

Trellis with climbing plant that covers the window. Repeated BBQs, bonfires, fire pits etc. Compost heap under the window

A shed? Don't you need a new shed or one of those tall potting sheds?

I thought the vent goes inside and that filler looks terrible

I would be putting the tallest plant/small tree i could get my hands on in front of that window.

A. to prevent them overlooking you
B. to block out their light, the cheeky f’s
C. to futureproof the garden if you wish to sell your property with an established shrub that blocks out the offending window.

Onbviously, pursuing action to reverse the work via council should be the priority. Sad to note from others more in the know than me that a positive outcome is unlikely.

Bottom of window starts at about 2700 I’m guessing

Bugger that. If it’s single storey then they can add a roof light.

Virginia creeper grows quite quickly, you could start it off aiming straight up a trellis

Counsellor was quick as anything - responded asking for more detail!

I used a pleached laurel to hide a CF window. Not dead cheap but works a treat.

Good!!

Ahh that's great, reading the thread it seems like a bit of lottery if your council is any good or not - that's good sign you've got a decent one!