Share of freehold extension

[Esbm2015]

I own a share of freehold of a Victorian semi detached in Yorkshire. I own the top floor flat and there is a man who lives in the ground floor flat.

Months ago he said he was looking to move his kitchen into the basement and put another bedroom where the kitchen currently is. He said this might mean extending slightly into the garden which he owns.

I didn’t think the plans had moved forward but overheard him discussing submitting plans with the neighbour.

Am I being unreasonable to think he might have thought to show me the plans first as he will need my consent to carry out the work surely?

What should i ask from him and going forward? I’ve no idea about how this all works and it’s made me very anxious.

As you share the freehold, he needs consent to make material changes to the building that affect your enjoyment and potential resale of your property. You should seek advice from the council who will be used to this. If you don't object he still needs a letter from you

Do you live there? If not would he buy the upstairs off you instead?

Yes I live here alone and don’t want to move as it has been my home for many years now as my grandmother lived in the flat previously and left it to me when she died. I’m just frustrated as I thought it would have been courtesy to see the plans before they’re submitted. As you say he will need my consent to do the work but what do I do if I don’t like his plans?

If he's extending, he's changing the extent of his flat. It will be described in his lease as something like "the ground floor flat [insert lots of detail] edged red and the garden edged green".

He needs to have is lease varied to reflect the change to the extent of the flat. Which needs the consent of BOTH owners of the freehold.