Neighbours Replaced Downstairs Side Window Wth Clear Glass

[SENMinefield]

Neighbours are having all their windows replaced...all fine...even let them put scaffolding up our land as they only have 1 meter to the boundary. Came home tonight to discover they have replaced their side window which is their dining room from frosted glass to clear. Now our patio/garden is totally overlooked! Really fed up as we replaced our fencing last year to low fencing so we didn't block their light. Is there anything we can do or am I just going to have to buy more fencing...and a very bright security light for our side access which might have to shine straight into the window 🤣.

My neighbour removed all the ivy covering MY trellis on top of MY wall making it easy to see through, and seriously affecting our privacy. We considered tying old fertiliser sacks all the way along the trellis on their side until the ivy regrew.

I understand upstairs windows being frosted, but with fences allowed to be 6ft, I’m not sure there is a problem with ground floor clear windows
There is. Not everyone can afford to block their light with a 6' fence, depending on garden size / shape.

But surely that is a choice of light versus privacy for the other garden. Unfortunately not all gardens are set up to get both. Just because one person wants light and privacy, why should the other person not have what they want. Are there actually planning rules if using a 6ft fence in a garden? Many properties have houses overlooking them from behind, full of clear windows, that’s just how some developments are built. You can’t always control what others do to their property (as long as they don’t break planning), even if it negatively impacts you. No ones need is greater than the others. Our neighbours chose to put in a hedge on the boundary. That’s their choice. It doesn’t afford us much privacy, but if we want to address we’ll have to put a fence up on our side. That’s a choice we have to make. Better privacy versus losing a slither of garden.

You can’t always control what others do to their property (as long as they don’t break planning), even if it negatively impacts you.
Well no, of course. That's why frosted glass facing overlooked areas is so often a condition consent.
It may not have been in this case, but it's easily verified.

Condition of planning consent, that is.

You could just...not give a fuck?

@GreyhoundG1rl I completely agree. Best for the PP to check the local planning rules. If it should be frosted they should highlight it to the neighbours.... and if they ignore then they have every right to be annoyed. If it is within planning, then they’ll have to think up of their own solution to their problem.

@EmergencyHydrangea

You could just...not give a fuck?

What is the point of saying that to anyone who clearly does? 🙄

Could you put a panel of high fence just in the part where their window is, and leave it low elsewhere?

Surely, the family in their dining room are likely to feel as watched by your gawking their from your patio as you are of them from their dining room?

@BusyLizzie61

Surely, the family in their dining room are likely to feel as watched by your gawking their from your patio as you are of them from their dining room?

Especially if the OP sets up the patio furniture facing the window as if it's a TV.

Rough guide.
Depends on age of the house and the building regs then.
Look at other similar houses and that window for a quick comparison.
Extensions usually have tighter rules.
Most genuine window providers will be aware of the legal requirements for that situation and not have put clear glass in if frosted was a requirement.

Glaziers will install anything you ask them to

I think you are right to check the plans first.

I think most people wouldn’t like this kind of change.

I agree if you get bamboo to get it in pots. My garden has bamboo and it pops up everywhere.

I would check with the council in case there’s something in the planning permission that requires frosted glass because of overlooking. Don’t plant bamboo, it’s invasive and grows out of control and can even come through walls and floors sometimes, it could make it impossible to sell the house.

I would avoid bamboo even in pots. Are you able to replace the part of the fence where the problem is to make it higher?
Planning - yes.
Its inconsiderate behaviour from the neighbour.

For a temporary solution, you can get those bamboo screens at most garden centers. It will definitely send a message to the neighbors though.

I meant screens like this.

www.waltons.co.uk/fence-panels/bamboo-screening

Double check first what their plans are. I don't like frosted glass but some of the window films are quite nice so possibly this is what they are going to do? We have two small side windows and when we moved in one was frosted glass and one clear so we put up film and it's just as obscuring.