How would you politely oppose neighbour’s planning application

[gobbledoops]

Hi all,
Looking for some advice on how not to completely f*ck up the relationship with my next door neighbour in a semi. It's likely that both of us would be staying in our respective houses for the next 10+ years.

We have just received a letter from the council notifying us of our neighbour’s planning application. We are 90% okay with it other than them raising the height of the roof and building a massive ugly dormer loft conversion. I am a big fan of live and let live but this will be an eyesore to look at from our garden/will reduce our privacy and ultimately reduce the value of my home.

We plan to provide comments on the application but what’s the right way to go about it to reduce the damage to the relationship? They didn't tell us about their plans but should we tell them that we plan to object in advance of commenting? What's the etiquette?

Thanks in advance!

They haven't popped around to let you know their intentions, so I'd just reply to Council direct rather than discussing.

As mentioned, only objections to certain things will be considered. You say it'll devalue you property, I think it could do the opposite as once a precedent has been set in an area, it allows for extra space in all local properties. We have a dormer at the back, velux at the front. The dormer is much better, gives us a lot more space, more light and fresh air and you'll probably find they feel it wouldn't be worth doing if only velux were used.

Who has given you this agreement — your neighbour? The council planning dept? What does it say?

Agree with others that you need to check the local planning rules and object using those. Not sure if you'd get it, but could you ask for any windows overlooking your garden to be obscure glazed rather than clear? Or smaller higher windows to allow light in but make it harder to see down?

I appreciate what you are saying about not wanting to fall out - they really should have told you before submitting plans - so it might be worth going round and asking if they'd consider any of the above. And by letting them know you object in person at least it won't come as a surprise.

The one above did. The sun and sky will be blocked.

I know. I’ve not at any point said other than that. It’s my reason for the post. That permitted development wipes away any protest unless it goes against what is permitted. I know I can’t put a case for it being stopped! I’m just checking experiences. I also don’t understand what I’m being asked to sign

Objecting to your neighbour's proposed dormer loft conversion, really ! I live in a block of semis, out of the 6 houses, we are the only property with no loft conversion and they are have dormers. I doubt they spend all day looking out their balconies as to see what everyone is doing in their gardens plus our houses are on a bend so they could get a great view!

What does it say it is?
I'm guessing a Party Wall Agreement.
It's designed to protect your property.
If you object (don't sign) you can (basically) get a surveyor to check your property before and after the work is done, and get any issues caused by the work sorted.

Sounds like u r being petty, u can oppose, and they’ll just say they have to have patterned glass, and they’ll hate u bcos u made a fuss

We applied for a dormer to get head room, velux windows don't solve the issue and we also applied because we needed a large dormer to use the floor space. But we had told neighbours and they told us they didn't object. However the planning officer did have an issue that is was not in keeping with the character. As others have said, keep it factual. I don't know if they would actually find out you objected though...

As I read the OP, same thoughts were going through my mind

Op, you state "live and let live" - why not practice it??

Look at it like this - it may raise the price of your place as the more people extend, improve their homes in your road, often the properties are easier to sell with extensions or potential

Regarding the light issue, if my neighbours plant trees or an evergreen hedge that shades my house, I can't object to that, can I?

I have a loft conversion with Velux windows and honestly I regret not having the dormer. It is the difference between a single and a double bedroom up there. You can only put a single bed in the middle of the room due to the head height. It's really not a small change you are asking of them and I don't think they would change their plans to the extent you would be happy with.

I viewed a house the other day where the neighbours had done this....it was HIDEOUS and very very obtrusive into the otherwise private garden. We didn't offer on the house because of the lack of privacy!

If realistically objecting will not achieve any material difference then is it worth pissing them off?

Why not get a surveyor/engineer to your home to outline the impact it will have on your house?

Years ago, my father did exactly this and was advised to object. He did and the neighbour’s application was refused.

It did affect the neighbourly relations but the neighbours ended up selling up to move to a bigger house a couple of years later.

I wouldn’t bother approaching the neighbours directly when they didn’t consult you before applying. If they were concerned about being neighbourly, they would at least have given you the heads up. Either way one party won’t get the outcome they want and there will be some resentment. .