Neighbours proposing huge loft conversion

[Alfierabbit]

We live in a semi and our neighbours who we get on well with gave us a heads up on a possible loft conversion. We assumed it would be a modest size like neighbour on other side of us. Now found out its going to be one of those huge box like structures right up to party wall at rwar of house. Probably unable to object. Am I silly to feel upset by this monstrosity being built.

Will you be able to see it once you're indoors?

I don’t see how it negatively affects you? A bigger loft conversion probably won’t take much longer than a small for noise and mess from building work.

I would probably feel the same as you but I think you just have to accept that it's going to happen, you don't have much say in it and it's probably best to accept that and not ruin the good relationship you have with them.

I imagine it's very unlikely they'd change their plans if you said you weren't happy with it, so unless you think that's a possibility then just accept that that's what people do these days - maximum the floor space/value of their home.

Thank you for your replies. Now I have slept on it I feel calmer and agree that I've just got to accept it. Think I was just shocked by proposed size of the loft conversion.They won't be moving anytime soon and so its best to remain on good terms.

I've suffered from neighbours doing this kind of thing. You can actually look at the plans if you go on to the planning department of your Town Hall. I would, however, have a conversation with them about it. The scaffolding, builders' vans, noise, inconvenience and filth will be significant. Make sure that they act with care and consideration.

Our neighbours sent us a copy of the plans and so we know its going to be a box like structure. Surprised that people are allowed to do it like that when it spoils the look of the house

You can lodge an appeal. Explain about the size and appearance. It will be intrusive and spoil the look of your property. You don't have to accept this. I'm sick of selfish neighbours. We've had 5 extensions go up in our street in the last few years and it's been an absolute nightmare of dirt, noise and inconvenience. That sounds like an eyesore as well. Object.

From what you have said, it seems as though this will affect the party wall.

They are required to give you a "Party Wall Notice" in writing, informing you of what will be happening.

You then either agree to this or, if you have any concerns that this work might affect or damage your wall or roof then a Party Wall Surveyor can be appointed at your neighbour's expense (you don't pay for this - they do).

The surveyor will then draw up a document which says what work will happen etc and also record the state of the wall and roof etc so that if there is any damage to your property then your neighbour will have to pay to fix it.

So they’re putting in a dormer? That’s a pretty standard type of loft conversion. I can’t see that you would find a solid planning reason to object unless you’re in a conservation area.

Selfish for extending their own home?!

Our neighbours built an enormous dormer loft extension under permitted development. No planning permission required so we had no opportunity to object and they didn’t even tell us in advance.
The windows are huge and it’s like having a watch tower overlooking our garden. The man stands at the Juliet balcony after his shower wrapped in just a towel while he surveys our garden.
They insisted on building right to the centre line of our semi detached properties so it’d be harder for us to build a similar structure. We did actually apply for planning for a much smaller loft conversion and the neighbours objected on the grounds of overlooking.

We don’t speak any more (this isn’t the only reason but they are entitled and inconsiderate)

A dormer is a window rising from the sloping roof.

I imagine the OP's neighbours are planning something like this, the entire width of their house.

Yes thats right it will be right across the back of their house

Depending on the structure and steels they may need a party wall agreement with you. If so then you have the right to reject it but tbh it won’t stop them just means they have to instruct a party wall surveyor.

planning isn’t needed for a dormer unless it’s on the front of the property

We've just finished a loft conversion. We did party wall agreements with the neighbours. We're all on very good terms. I baked cakes and took wine to neighbours throughout the build.

We didn't need planning. It was all done under permitted development. I'd say at least 2/3 of our street now have a loft conversion. It adds value, it gives more space and ours looks fantastic!

I think the smaller loft conversions look ok but the box like ones are an eyesore and not in keeping with the rest of the house. I appreciate people wanting extra space but its a shame about how it will look.

It does ruin the look. Our neighbours raised the ridge line as well on their half which is not allowed. Council refused to take enforcement action.

Is yours a box like structure?

If they get planning for it it won't be monstrous

Ours looks similar to this:

This. It's a pretty standard loft conversion where I live. Some people have bigger windows than others. But it's highly likely to come under permitted development so you can't object, just make sure you have a party wall agreement.

This, and the picture posted a few posts back, are a completely normal loft conversion?!
What would you expect, OP? Just some extra windows added to the roof?

Obviously not just a window in loft. Something more tasteful and smaller like our other neighbour has.

Yes you definitely can object.

I think the photos of conversions that PP have posted look fine. No-one on our street has a loft conversion which I find surprising but maybe the houses don't have the right type of loft!