Neighbours planning application

[feejee]

Hi there, hoping for some advice. Our next door neighbour has submitted a planning application. Seems reasonable enough, extending the already extended kitchen a bit more and building outwards towards our house so there will only be a walkway between their house and our boundary wall. The problem I have is that they want to put a window in to the side which will be approx 1m away from our boundary wall and look straight onto our patio and face across to our utility room window (which currently faces towards their brick wall). We are on a bit of a hill and our house is higher than theirs so it will mean directly looking at them and them us and I know the lady spends most of her day in the kitchen (the boundary wall is low). I would feel this is a huge loss of privacy being unable to use the patio privately, and i just don't want someone else looking at me loading the washing machine in the morning in my PJs . I want to object about the window, not the rest of the extension. I'd be absolutely fine with it without the window facing onto my patio . The neighbour did not speak to us about her plans, so i don't feel like we can chat about it. Any tips on how to get myself across in a decent way to the planning people?

I know you’ve said you’re not that comfortable with it, taking to them really is the best way. Put it as you have here.

I agree, speak to them first, suggest a Velux window or similar. I would object if they go ahead as it stands.

I really don't feel able to. I offered help to her and her adult son in the summer as they were struggling with something and could see an extra pair of hands would help, but the son just effed and jeffed at me.

Ground floor? Nothing you can do about it other than raise your boundary wall (maybe fit a fence on top).

First floor? Object - talk to planning officer and insist on non-opening and opaque glass. Pretty standard condition on side windows.

They won’t be allowed as it’s too close and gives you no privacy.

We wanted to put a window in a dormer over an existing window and was only allowed obscured glass as it was within 10 metres of neighbours even though they had no windows in the end.

Can’t see how if going for planning and subsequent building regs it would be allowed

You need to object on valid planning grounds. Would it not be easier just to put a fence panel or trellis up on top of the wall or on your side of the wall? Then neither of you will be able to see the other.

I'm not saying don't object, just make sure it's for valid factual reasons. Explain the difference in levels and include photos/a diagram.

Is it definitely not opaque glass? Seems a bit cheeky for your utility window to face them but you object to theirs. Did you inherit the extension ?

Just comment ' doesn't have to be a formal objection - and request that a condition is imposed that the side facing window is obscure glazed (including any future windows).
Under permitted development, side facing windows at ground floor can be clear glazed, but not at first floor or above. If the condition is imposed it prevents them adding any future clear glazed windows on the side wall. If it's literally 1m from your boundary the case officer will probably support you. Planning permission can take your POV into account, unlike PD which is fact and law.

Loss of privacy is a valid planning objection.

Write to the Council saying that whilst you have no objection to the extension, you do have concerns about the flank window which will look directly onto your property, hence resulting in a loss of privacy. Request that the window either be removed, or is glazed with obscured glass. Ideally it should be non-opening too (or at least just have a top flap openable) otherwise in the summer - when you will use your patio - they can just open the window rendering any obscure glazing pointless.

If some photos would illustrate you point, do enclose some with your letter.

The Planning Officer should make a site visit so will be able to see the situation. You could request that the Planning Officer view it from your property, but they are not obliged to do so.

As said above you need to object. Their window can't overlook your boundary like that.
Seeline has it spot on there.

It shouldn't pass with an objection, but on the tiny chance it does you then need to increase your fence height in front of the window to 6ft. If thats not possible a few potted bamboo plants will do the trick.

Ground floor? Nothing you can do about it other than raise your boundary wall (maybe fit a fence on top)
They can still object even if its ground floor.
Ask for obscure glass.

I wouldn't worry about objecting, if they were neighbourly, they would have run the plans past you before applying.

Privacy glass for their window surely? We put an extension near to ndn and whole side had to be privacy glass. Wasn't a big deal. Didn't particularly want to see the awful woman tbh!!

My friend has been having a problem with a neighbours extension.
Neighbours wanted dormer windows looking directly into 3 people’s houses, my friend objected due to total loss of all privacy so they were given a condition that he windows must be non opening and obscure.

Extension almost finished now with dormer windows all opening and non obscure glass. Friend has been complaining to the council who say they have written to the owner last dec and have had no response.
Friend keeps complaining and only now the council say they will visit the site.

I really hope they do something as it really isn’t on that some people think they can do what they like without any thought to others. One poor elderly neighbour lives with her curtains closed all day now due to the loss of privacy.

Be aware, they can have opaque glass as a condition of the planning. Once signed off and they change it there is nothing you can do

@MarieG10 What makes you say that? Surely you would just report it to planning enforcement? I think the only way that could happen is if the new glass was in place for several years and no-one complained about it.

@MarieG10 - that is incorrect (unless the condition has been very poorly worded). @HopelessLayout is correct - the planning enforcement team should be able to serve a breach of condition notice and get the obscure glass reinstated. A condition has to have been breached for over 10 years to stop enforcement action being taken.

Seeline's previous comment is spot on. Object with loss of privacy requesting removal of side window or has to becondition of fixed and obscure glazed. Take photos of the area, including your view out of your window as it is now, and include it with your objection. If you can speak to the mother (rather than the son) direct first that might help. I can also recommend window film, you can get some really nice designs these days and just to cover the lower half of your window, but still lets in lots of light. Good luck

Just speak to them. When we got out loft extension our neighbour politely asked if we could change the window direction and we did as it made no material difference to the amount of light we would receive in that room.

It is what my architect told me at the time. Was a number of years ago so maybe things have changed. We didn't change it anyway so wasn't an issue

I would actually put up screening on your side as soon as as possible. If they realise that their planned window is going to looking out on a legally built brick wall or fence 1 metre away, they might revise their plans.

We requested two (high) side windows and planning came back with obscured and non opening beneath 1.9m. Would that work? We did speak to neighbours beforehand too to balance our wish for light versus not invading their privacy

Send an objection, I would think they would have to use obscure glass looking out at your house on the side. Same applies to you and yours should probably be obscured glass too.
You could put up a blind or obscure your glass.