How much would planning put you off?

[Clockworkapple]

Hello
We have seen a house we really like, it is at the top end of our budget but basically ticks all the boxes.
However, there is a greenfield site at the end of the garden which is very likely to be built on. There have been various planning applications made and the last one basically said that the council does not object to the development but they do have concerns about the number of units the developer is trying to cram on there and the ratio of affordable to premium properties.
The site being built on doesn't bother me - the garden is about 70ft long - and it is in a residential area. It is the unknown that does - they could put a block of flats up there which would overlook the garden and possibly devalue the house.
I think if there were approved plans I would feel happier - the last application had houses backing on to this one which would be absolutely fine but I do worry with the loosening of planning restrictions and a developer who is clearly keen to maximise every inch of the land this could change to a tower block!
Also, the noise etc. Have you been in this position? Did it ruin your enjoyment of your house and garden?
Access to the new development would not affect the property.
What would you do? Would this be a deal breaker?

I’d be worried too. Is the site surrounded by houses or are there any blocks or commercial premises etc?

A neighbour is building a house in his garden, adjacent to our garden fence. The noise is horrendous. It’s not just the building noises but the constant vehicle reversing beeping noises, builders shouting instructions at each other, music from their radio etc. We can’t enjoy being in our garden until they go home at the end of the day.

Dealbreaker

If you knew what they were planning then maybe it would be ok.

Noise- The noise is unpleasant. spoils your enjoyment of the garden and you have to keep your windows closed to try to get some peace. I used to live next to a new build estate while it was being built and it was a relief when it was all done.

I think the number of units is important (as it affects how long construction work would be) so 4 might be OK, 40 would put me off.

I have noticed that developers often get permission for say 20 then after work has started reapply and add another 6.

I suspect it may be why it's on the market...

I don’t think vast majority of councils would look favourably on a block of 20 units if the site is surrounded by houses. So if there in no precedence around the site, then such overdevelopment is unlikely.

I'm not so sure @JoJoSM2. I've seen estates with housing ranging from 5 bedroom detached to 1 bedroom flats.

OP - also consider that by law some of those new dwellings will be for social housing, shared ownership or similar.

It would be a deal-breaker for me, sorry. Not knowing what was going to be built, or for whom, would be a huge stress.

The estate will probably not deviate too much in layout to the last planning application - if you are happy with that & the fact the end of the garden might end up overlooked, i'd view it as an awesome negotiating point for a chunky discount - the sellers will be aware it will come up in everyone's searches & the likelihood of the purchase collapsing later on is high - declaring that you are aware upfront & are offering accordingly due to the uncertainty could put you in a very strong position.

Thanks everyone - there has been much wrangling over the site - for 10 years at least. There have been court cases and appeals etc.

It is for 130 units, mixture of flats and houses. The flats would be 4/5 storeys. Other developments nearby have been allowed to have huge blocks on but they usually border train lines or commercial areas.

The housing market seems to be going crazy though and so I doubt it will put off a buyer.
I think if we were to go for it we would have to reduce our offer - I still think someone will pay asking price for it though and so I guess we will have to let this one pass us by.

Also consider the changes to planning being introduced where councils can’t object. So the builders may well change to all flats and no one could stop them...

Also, building noise is horrendous. I speak from experience, sadly.

So I wouldn’t buy it if I were you. Although I feel very sorry for the current owners trying to escape.

Is would let it go. Building that many units is going to intrude on your life for years, dust, noise and etc.