planning application, how to keep good relationships with neighbours

[littlebylittle]

We've just resubmitted an application for an extension to our house. Was going really well with heighbours, or so i thought. We'd shown them the plans, one said they were great and wished us well, the other had small concerns that they shared with us, we suggested they object (over tea and home made cakes). Neither objected. Now plans in again and objections from both, ironically from an alteration demanded by planners. I don't want to give up on the plans, but we have excellent relations with both sides and want advice on how to keep this as friendly short and long term as poss. One side is very gentle and elderly, the other prone to being unreasonably and unpredictably cross about stuff like parking but never too much of prob for us, although four letter outbursts to some of the other folks on our street. Any tips?

Two thoughts. First, can you go back to the planners and see if they will rethink their demand for change given that both neighbours have objected? Second, you have to decide for yourself if the neighbours are being unreasonable and act on that basis. If you withdraw the application and they both move out you'll be deeply irritated for as long as you live there that you missed the opportunity. It sounds as though neither of them approached you to discuss their objections before submitting them, so I'm not sure you owe them a great deal.

Did you explain to them that you were forced to change plans slightly from what you showed them? They may be a bit miffed/feel you were trying to pull a fast one by putting in different plans.
I would ask them what their specific objection is and go back to planners.

Perhaps explain to your neighbours that the alterations they don't like are being insisted on by the planners rather than yourselves which might make it less of a personal issue. Could the planners explain to neighbours why they've made the alterations?

We did say to both sides that the original plans were rejected and explained alterations. I think maybe it's to do with the altered plans, but also maybe they've had more time to think about it and decided that actually they really don't like the idea of us extending at all. Perhaps they thought the plans would just be thrown out completely first time, who knows. Anyway, saw one side on the way out this morning and we still smiled and waved at each other so maybe this is just how it goes. Our elderly neighbour did pop round to say that they were a bit worried about light issues and I said the best I could that he should object with our blessing, as much as it is for us to give our blessing,after all that is the process. Otherwise, we could have said we'd take his views into account when planning the extension, but really I think they wouldn't want any extension. I think their view will be affected but the architect said the light issues were within accepted limits. I never really like extensions, but I kind of accept that our planners have their fingers well and truly on the pulse and let them get on with it. Also the other side have had a truly ugly extension put up which affects their light far more than ours would. I hand it over to the architect and planner and think we've got to do what's right for our family, just as our neighbours have got to look after their interests by objecting. It would be a shame to sour relations, we're on birthday gifts for the children terms and the one side are a bit like grandparents. But they've lived through most of the estate being built round them so I expect they'll be reasonably philosophical. Sorry to go on...

It's very hard to know what to do sometimes. I think you're right to just leave it with the planners and keep good relations with your neighbours as much as possible.

We put in plans for a building once, having consulted all our neighbours and getting their ok only for the planners to suggest something completely different which would affect the neighbours much more. When I went round to explain to the neighbours that this is what the planners had recommended they went ballistic, complained to the council and the original plans went ahead. I'm not sure the planners are always on the right track!

I hope it goes ok, let us know how you get on.

Well, planner visited, popped round to see neighbours and now architect has had email to say that they're going to recommend that we be given planning permission. Not going to take it for granted but sounds more than likely. The we'll hope we can find the money and that we still stay on good terms with neighbours!

If you dont have any problems now, they may come later during the long noisy messy work months. And there is no getting away from it, there will be lots of mess, and noise.

Mine were ok with plans but then got arsy during the works.
We tried to keep bright breezy and friendly, even inviting them round to view what we were doing at various stages.

Its all ok now, a few years on but sometimes you jsut cant please some folk!

I guess we have to do what is best for us with as much consideration for the neighbours as poss. No one likes work that isn't directly beneficial to them, we didn't like next door's extension, it's very ugly and although has no impact we could object to we have to look at it every day as we pull into our drive. But I'd like to think I could call on them in an emergency so live and let live. Anyway, we'll see how it goes.