neighbour objected to PP-do we try to talk about it?

[havenoidea55]

Hi,

We had a planning application go through a while ago for a 1st floor extension over an existing flat roofed ground floor extension, which was approved (with no objections). We have however decided we would like to extend the ground floor further, to give more living space. We live in a pretty standard 1930s semi

The existing extension is about 2.7m deep, and is not quite the full width of the house-we wish to extend this on the ground floor only by approx 3m-making a total extension of about 5.7 x 4m wide (it will be stepped in from the existing rear extension by about 700mm.) The 1st floor extension is2.7x 3m on top of the existing rear extension. The roof is pitched, not flat, on both levels

We are on generally good terms with our neighbour (non-attached) but have just seen they have objected to the application as it will affect light to their rear extension. They haven't spoken to us about it. My husband wants to talk to them about the plans, but I am not sure if that would be a good idea. (we had told them before we put the new application in that we were applying to amend the plans to extend on the ground floor) and if we should just wait to see what the outcome is? Can totally see pros and cons to both. Should we get architect to amend plans to make it a flat roof?

Any advice?

You could ask if there’s some kind of compromise so you’re both happy with it I guess, since you’re usually on good terms. I can’t see how that approach would hurt.

Thanks, I say we're on good terms-we take in parcels and say hello etc, but aren't best buddies, but have never had any animosity

I'll speak to the architect 1st to see if he has any ideas.

Aye I’m the same with our new neighbours (we moved not them). Maybe if the architect has any good ideas you could bring those up, as an icebreaker. Being willing to compromise or at least try to find a compromise that suits you both can’t be a bad thing (although I can appreciate it’s irritating having to)

Did you speak to them before you put the application in, or did it come to them out of the blue? Not surprising they didn't mention it to you, as it would have been for you to make the first move. Given the application is in as is their objection, why don't you just wait to see what the outcome is rather then incur more architects costs which may not be necessary? If it gets rejected, you could then amend based on official feedback and resubmit (and at this point be neighbourly and tell them before you do so).

I think 5.7m beyond the original line of the house is really quite big and imposing. Are they your attached neighbour? Obviously they've extended too so they're not going to look out at 5+m but if they've got French doors or bifolds for example you can understand why a double storey extension for part, then a long rear extension might affect their light. Not sure it'll be enough to prevent you from getting permission but I think I'd try to have a conversation about it. It'll be much easier in the long run to have friendly neighbours.

We did speak to them before we applied Maggie

I have asked the architect what he thinks and will see if I see them to have a chat, I'm not hugely worried, and think we could adjust plans to appease them quite easily (hopefully)
Our gardens slope up away from the house, so the extension would actually be below the level of their fence at it's outermost point. But I think we could shorten it a bit and change the roof to either flat or sloped rather than pitched which would hopefully make it less imposing for them.

How much detail of the proposed extension did you share before submitting your application for planning consent, for example did you share the plans? I get the impression that you perhaps minimised your plans somewhat and they were taken aback when they actually saw the reality of what you were planning to do. In a similar situation our neighbours shared their proposed plans first and we fedback so they could adapt. Out of interest, did they put in their extension or did the purchase their house as it is now?

Its also worth bearing in mind that planning and Rights to Light are two separate things. You could technically be granted planning permission but never be able to implement your planning consent if you were unable to resolve a rights to light issue. Do you know how long ago their extension was built? You only acquire rights to light after 20 years.

The first person to extend a house, cannot say they have an exclusive right to light. Similar extensions to the neighbour’s one are likely to be approved, however old it is. If everyone maintained they had a right to light after they extended, any neighbour would be in a far worse position and not able to use their permitted development rights.

I would see what happens at planning. There are calculations used by planners regarding roof angles and how light is affected and if you had employed an architect, these would have been checked. If you get turned down because you don’t meet the guidelines, then get an architect in. I wouldn’t talk to the neighbours right now. Discuss it if the planning authority agrees with them and you decide to amend the plans.