Any reason to object to planning permission?

[Wonderbug81]

I live in a first floor flat, as part of a Victorian house conversion.

The downstair flat has just been bought and a planning permission request put in for a simple rear extension to make the kitchen diner bigger.

As far as I can tell there's no problem for me except that my view will be of the top of their extension rather than the garden I can see now (which I don't have access to). Clearly I wouldn't object to that!

I just want to check that there's no other issues I should be considering. The only thing I can think about is making sure they'll still be able to give access via a ladder etc to the outer building of my flat?

You’ll need something like a party wall agreement to record the current state of your property and enable you to get any remedial works done at their request.

Oh thank you, will look into that.

Are you share of freehold? Does the person applying for PP not have to get freeholders permission?

No freehold is owned by another party and managed by a management agent. Should I check with them?

I'm a little wary of creating a bad relationship with my new neighbour by going behind their back to the management company.

It's three any possibility of adding a roof terrace for you?

Also do the plans have roof lights that could be irritating, logging up your windows or merging you look straight into their kitchen.

Do check with the freeholder. Who is responsible for upkeep of this new bit of building? Flat roof can affect insurance premiums and have a 20 year life whilst pitched tiles are 50 years plus.

Thank you, this is really helpful. Could their flat roof affect my insurance premiums? Is that related to flood damage?

I've also just realised that it presents more a security risk as it would be easier to climb onto their roof to get to my flat.

I'll speak to the freeholder too.

Flat roof could affect buildings insurance which the freeholder should have.

I've also just realised that it presents more a security risk as it would be easier to climb onto their roof to get to my flat.

I was going to say this. Not sure it’s a valid reason to object to pp though.

Also I would be concerned about the impact of any building work on your flat - eg if they take out supporting walls, which they probably will do, it could lead to cracking in your flat. Make sure you have a party wall agreement and ideally your own surveyor (they have to pay the fees) to keep an eye on any damage.

They definitely will need to notify/ask permission of the freeholder.

Wonderbug81 it is in your own interest to check with the Managing Agent and Freeholder. Good luck.

Security risk isn't a valid planning condition. If you own I would inquire about chipping in and having the roof reinforced for a balcony. Win for both of you then! You get outdoor space and they get ££ towards the work

Thank you all. Waiting to hear back from the freeholder. Will think about whether to add a roof terrace too!

I'll make sure there's a party wall agreement in place too.