flats next door being built not exactly in accordance with planning permission

[ajuba]

looked at the plans for flats being built next door to us and saw that the developer has made some changes from the approved permission (he has put back doors were the plans show windows). I phoned the council and they did a site visit and found that he had indeed not got permission for those changes BUT all he now had to do was get permission for minor amendments, which he doesn't need to consult on and which he will probably get. I am annoyed about this because he is getting away from deviating from the approved plan. the main issue is the hallway window which is in between the ground and second floor and which faces us. The original planning permission showed it as having obscure glazing but he has used clear glazing. the reason it was supposed to be obscure glazing was to limit the impact on us. so I am annoyed that he hasn't complied with this requirement and don't consider it be minor. do I have any recourse? is there a planning ombudsman or similar?

Depends on what level of council you are dealing with but if it's a small council then I'd call the local planning officer, plus a local councillor (as your elected representative) and put your concerns in writing to the planning department and to the councillor so they can raise the matter on your behalf. That's from my experience as a small town councillor.

When we had people who deviated from plans or who didn't apply for permission they were usually leaned on heavily, until they complied, by the planning officer who was alerted by councillors in the manner I described.

Usually the rules are quite strict on what can be classed as a minor amendment and so if alterations are making the situation worse for you as a neighbour I wouldn't think it could be approved in this way- keep complaining!