Neighbours past house modifications

[spookehtooth]

So I'm buying this house, and noticed that the neighbours next door have modified the first floor of an identical house. Roof raised, rear only, for what looks like a couple of extra rooms on a 3rd level. Based on my limited understanding of the rules, they've almost certainly needed planning permission before getting it done.

I'm a bit nosey how their layout now differs from the place I'm buying as a result. I'm already sure I'd like an upstairs or ensuite bathroom or loo at some point, I think the downstairs bathroom would work better as a nice large loo. Are there plans, showing the changes to the internal layout, in the public domain for me to access?

In England, if it needed pp it will be available on your councils website.

But a loft extension can be done under permitted development which doesn't need planning.

Check out the planning portal for government advice and rules.

If you're buying regardless, the best way will be to be a friendly new neighbour and then ask to see theirs.

Take it as an opportunity to meet the neighbours? Go round with a bottle of wine to introduce yourself and ask. They'll probably be glad to show it off.

I’d go with this… most people (who don’t live in Mumsnetland) wouldn’t have an issue with this

Is talking to neighbours more common for people who buy to do, then?

I think so? I certainly wouldn't mind someone knocking. You never know they might be horrible 😆 better to know before you buy.

Very normal to be friendly with the neighbours, yes. You could be living side by side for 20 years! Regardless of wanting to view their work, it would be normal to be friendly with the houses nearest you. Just don't expect to view it there and then as they'll want to tidy, just ask if you could view it some time and see what they say.

@spookehtooth our next door neighbour popped over with a bottle of wine to introduce herself while we were still unloading the van 😂

I was added to the close whatsapp within a week 😂

Definitely common for neighbours who own to be neighbourly with one another. It benefits all of you.

No harm in asking after a while to have a nose around :)

It’s just more common for people with manners…you’re the new kid, introduce yourself!

Please tell me this level of ignorance is just a mumsnet thing and not indicative of how people actually are

You talk about manners in an insulting post? How ironic. Take a look at other people above expressing a similar opinion without feeling the need to be rude!

I've got no wish to say any more to you, beyond suggesting you very obviously need to expose yourself to a broader range of life experiences 🤔

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Definitely go round and say hi, please can I have a look what you've done.

I have always gone round to see all the neighbours when I have moved homes and made some brilliant friends and allies - but I am a northerner, living down south, things like this don't phase me

I’m not going to lie, there is something deeply ironic about attacking someone and saying they need to expose themselves to a wider range of experiences, in the same breath as asking if it’s normal to introduce yourself to your neighbours. 😂

your local council planning portal will have the planning details.

Not really @Janieforever I'm enquiring and listening, because this is my first time buying a place, and not judging other people's experiences and views. The other person is seeing another person's behaviour, which is normal to them, and choosing to be abusive.

Seeing someone different to oneself, and being abusive because of it, that's pretty much a text book example of ignorance for me. Is it normal for you, to be abused because you're different from someone else?

A curious mind might ask questions, to better understand why my experience has been that way. You know, literally, nothing about me beyond one simple difference. Statements repeat what we already know. Questions, if answered, provide new information and insights

Thanks for ruining the thread, I'm unfollowing it because lifes too short to waste dealing with this rubbish

The only thing that’s “ruined” the thread is aggressive posting by you

Most definitely pop around an introduce yourself to your new neighbours.

Say that you wanted to pop over and say "Hi" but also you noticed that they'd had work done similar to what you're thinking of and ask if they'd mind you taking a really quick look at some point. Tell them you know its cheeky but then say it's a minefield trying to figure out what modifications you want to do and what they'll actually look like etc. Keep it light.

FWIW, a lady knocked on my door a few years ago and asked to see my garden home office which is a converted outhouse. It's not visible from the street or back alley. And lived about four streets away. So it wasn't clear how she knew about my office... Turns out someone I know from dog-walking that I'd talked about my office with, lived next door to her and sent her over 😅
I'm a normal human so of course I let her have a look. The next day, she dropped around a massive home-made caramel cake.

I think the crux is that OP is still in the process of buying, they are NOT the house owners on the road yet. I personally would be very happy to have a chat with new neighbours, share tips on property extension planning, show how we've altered the layout of our house (when/if it's suitable for me, mind you).

But I wouldn't be so accommodating for someone who is yet MIGHT end up being my neighbour. I would happily share tips about the neighbourhood etc. if they knock on my door, but no way I'd invite them in and show around, even if they turn up on my doorstep with a bottle of nice wine!

So for PPs who say 'pop around and introduce yourself' and berate OP for being a bit reserved about that - do you actually mean it? Would you welcome a person who doesn't actually yet live next door for a tour around your house?

Well, that went well with the OP possibly flouncing off.
It started out okay then went down hill fast.