Advice on neighbour's extension

[Loletta]

Hi
I'm after some advice please. We're thinking of making an offer on a 1930s semi detached house in our dream location. The house needs extensive refurbishment but that's not the issue.
The neighbours attached to the other side have a dodgy looking extension with windows overlooking "our" property. See attached picture (I've deleted some personal items on the veranda). If we buy the house we propose to build on the decking to extend downstairs with a single storey extension which would block the windows of the neighbours' extension. Would we run into problems? Does it matter if the neighbours' extension got planning permission or not? I did a search on the local authority portal and could not see a planning application for the neighbours' extension submitted although someone who lives locally told me the extension was there when the current owners bought the house so maybe it's not showing because it's very old.
This is kind of a deal breaker for us. Although we could extend on the other side, we really don't like the look of the windows overlooking our kitchen so we would want to build a wall to cover them.
Does this make sense? I would be really really grateful for your advice

Window grill for ground floor is a bit ominous?

Is this a picture of the house you are thinking of buying, with the neighbours extension that conservatory type thing next to the fence, or is this the neighbours house? It's hard to visualise, not knowing properties. Can you post a drawing of both houses?

Their conservatory probably didn't need planning permission. Your single storey extension probably won't either. If it's a deal breaker, check with the planning authority first though.

They were probably within permitted development

And yes, is that a window grill?

The house with the black blob is the one we're hoping to buy.

The house with the black blob is the one we're hoping to buy.
That's not a window grill. It's some sort of flexible structure and I don't know what it's for

I would walk away. The neighbours built their conservatory knowing it would overlook the neighbours deck. They could have built up the wall and each property would have had their privacy. They don't seem reasonable.

If you're serious about buying the house it is worth spending money on legal advice to properly understand your position.

Go and speak to them about what you propose and see their reaction. I've always gone and introduced myself to the neighbours before exchanging. Doesn't everyone??!!

Ps if it's been there years it may not have been them and they may be very reasonable.

I agree, go and talk to them.

I can't see the picture so I'm going on your description. As well as trying to talk to them you could do some research at the local authority to see if there is any record of when it was built. If over 20 years ago they might be able to claim a 'right to light' if building the wall darkens their room substantially (but if they have other windows that won't be blocked then they may not be sufficiently affected).

In my area the council say they don't take account of side windows facing a neighbouring property when considering a planning application so this may be the same in your area (i.e. if a neighbour has been stupid enough to build a window to the side of the property up against their boundary the planning department may not consider the impact on their view when deciding whether to approve your application). So try and sound out the local planning department on this. However, its also best to talk to the neighbour asap and see what reaction you get so you know how smooth (or not) things will go for you and what sort of relationship you would have with them in the future!

In our last property we had neighbours who built a massive extension right to their boundary. When we complained about it effectively depriving half our garden of light they retorted that if we made a fuss they'd put windows overlooking our garden/ house into it. My partner said, quick as a flash 'In which case I'll put up fence panels right against them.' The extension was built without windows.

I think looking at the pic you will find you have the right to build a separate wall for your extension on your side of the property and they will have to decide whether they want an unsightly view of blocks and mortar or whether they'd prefer to replace their glazing with something more appropriate.

Never mind the legalities, even if permitted you building right next to your neighbour’s windows straight away is a recipe for disaster. You may end up in your dream home but feeling awkward every time you leave the house because your neighbours hate you. Anyone who has lived through a row with neighbours will tell you it is not to be taken lightly! If this is a deal breaker then the only way you should go ahead is if you’ve spoken to them and come to some kind of agreement/ compromise.

Depending on how long the neigbouring windows have been there they may have acquired a legal right to light... even if the windows were put there without consent!

A right to light is different from planning; You could end up in a situation where your extension is granted under planning but becomes impossible to build due to right to light legal issues.

You need to bring this up with your solicitor / surveyor before you buy.