Extension that minimises shade on neighbour?

[Flowerpot1278]

We live in a modern townhouse (terraced) and, in order to make more downstairs space (as our living room is currently upstairs), we applied for planning permission to extend downstairs by 3 metres. Our neighbour objected at the last minute - fair enough, as the gardens are not very wide and the extension would almost to the boundary - but permission was granted anyway.

In order to preserve neighbour harmony we won’t probably go ahead with it. But am wondering if there is a design that will limit the impact on them. The flat roof extension would have been about a metre and a half higher than their fence - anyone have/seen an extension with walls up to a certain height and then glass roof/top of the two side walls and bi folds that would then essentially look like a conservatory to the neighbours and let more light acorss but would be more sturdy for us than a conservatory? Are glass roofs a mare heat/cold wise and will it still be imposing for next door? Just a last ditch attempt to find a solution but there may not be one...

I really wouldn’t worry about your neighbour in the nicest possible way. The planners would not have granted permission if there were amenity issues. Also 3m isn’t really excessive, you can usually do that depth under permitted development rights depending on the height so it is a pretty standard depth. I’ve viewed a lot of extensions and they are never usually that bad once built, neighbours usually don’t like the disruption and the uncertainty of everything. You have permission so don’t feel bad about it. Perhaps just go round to your neighbours and acknowledge that they are worried but you need the space and you’ll do the build swiftly so there’s not too much disruption.