Loft Conversion - neighbours complaint - windows under 1.7m from floor

[planestrainsautomobiles]

Does anyone have any knowledge of loft conversions, planning permission vs permitted development.

Our neighbours have complained about our windows to the council (who have visited us today). Our side windows which look onto their roof are less than 1.7m from the loft floor and therefore should be non-opening. The windows have been fitted and are opening and having checked are less than 1.7m from the floor.

In addition, the velux windows are also around 10cm too low - these are not obscured and are also opening. According to permitted development these fall outside of what is allowed too.

Can we get retro- planning permission for these windows or will this be refused?

If it is, then how do we make our opening velux and other windows non-opening? I guess we can put film over so that meet the obscured glass criteria.

I'm panicking!!! Would appreciate any help.

its only the part of the window that opens that needs to be above 1.7mtrs.
we are doing this, so a top hung window is fine side window will be very high.
Page 29 on link below
www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/100806_PDforhouseholders_TechnicalGuidance.pdf

Thank you Annalouiseh - the annoying part is that the velux windows has a handle at the bottom which means the opening will be below 1.7m.

Does anyone have any ideas what will actually happen next?

They will probably just ask you to apply retrospectively. Normally the biggest issue with windows is overlooking, if there isn't considered to be any harm to residential amenity you might be ok, difficult to say without seeing it in person.

If they only look onto their roof then why are they complaining? They sound nice!

Worst case scenario you'll have to obscure the glass. Its not too expensive. If you used an architect I would get them to cover the cost as they should have drawn them according to permitted development guidelines.

I don't really know what I'm talking about here, but can you turn the Velux window around so the handle is at the top? Meaning the opening bit (the handle) will be higher than 1.7m?