Wanting to build an extension but neighbour has overhanging tree

[Chocolatecornetto]

Moved into our new home year or so ago. There is an area to the side of the bungalow that is not used, but completely shaded by next door's tree, which has been planted very close to the boundary (virtually on it!)

It leans to our side and I think caused a big row with previous owner (though only hearsay)

It would be an ideal spot for us to extend. Where do we stand. Can we cut down all overhanging branches?! No tree preservation, I have checked. It is a pine, sheds lots of cones in our side (not a problem now, but maybe for roof if we extended?)

Other neighbours have extended similarly to how we thought.

You can cut down everything on your side. It only becomes an issue if it will damage the tree. But think about what order to do things in terms of the relationship with your neighbour and a possible objection to your planning permission. I would butter them up first.

How close will the tree be to your extension? If the work you are having done is within half the height of the tree you could impact its root structure. When you apply for planning permission you will have to have a tree survey and if the tree is going to be impacted it will need a specialist assessment which could dictate the type of foundations or size of the extension.

I don't think we will be able to do it. Over half of the tree overhangs our boundary.
A bit cheeky to plant it there really!

It would only be a single level extension so foundations do not have to be so deep. Also it's a pine so I don't think roots go as deep as some other trees

Tell them you’re going to extend. I would also tell them it’s a lovely tree and you were thinking of getting a tree surgeon to do the work so the cutting is done correctly. And would they like you to shape the whole tree and not just your side? You’ll pay

It would only be a single level extension so foundations do not have to be so deep. Also it's a pine so I don't think roots go as deep as some other trees

None of this is correct. The foundations will be the same depth for a single or 2 storey extension. And coniferous trees are higher water demand so usually require very deep foundations.

LouisBalfour

Thank you. I had no idea, I read somewhere about pine tree roots going straight down rather than spreading, but actually thinking of pines I have seen that isn't true!

I've been told previous owners had a big argument about it and maybe they had plans to extend too.

My parents had a two storey extension and the council made them do a tree survey because there was a small conifer tree (approx 3 metres high) within about 5 metres of the house. Literally more of an ornamental bush than a real tree!

Luckily their neighbours are great and whipped it out straight away. However, they still had to have the survey as the council were already aware that the tree had been there and could have had an impact. Luckily it was fine though.

If you want to try and proceed with an extension then I reckon you would need to try and get them to take it out. Not sure what the outcome would be if the tree was found to be an issue in the survey...perhaps the extension would have to be underpinned or something?

In your position I would get specialist advice before speaking to the neighbour.

As the tree is actually leaning towards your land, the roots may be dodgy already and if you remove some on your side to create foundations, the tree might fall down in high winds.

Are there any wildlife considerations?

You might also need to advise your insurer that you now had a big tree close to the house.

It's actually very close to the main house. It looks very stable as I know pines often lean, unfortunately it's lent towards our house and not theirs.
I think I'll get a tree surgeon to have a quick look at it and see what they say.
Isn't the owner's first home, they just seem to visit every now and again and do the garden.

thekaratekid

This is well within 5 metres of the house and I'm beginning to wish we'd said something before as I'm pretty sure our insurance says something about a tree being within x metres.
The tree towers over a bungalow, much be house height.

I agree with the FlamedToACrisp. I think some sort of advice would be your best bet. Tree surgeon might be a good shout. They often know how council's think as they have to deal with them for TPO trees etc. You never know...they might find out the tree is dead or dying and needs felling immediately as it is a danger.

Such a pain to have to do all of this, especially if other neighbours have done similar extensions in the past.

Is the neighbour's garden generally a jungle...or is it just this tree? Might give an insight into the neighbour's mindset.