Loft conversion next door.

[mustgetoffmn]

I have ground floor garden flat in a London terrace. My next door neighbour is planning a disfiguring loft conversion ( they have whole house) construction wise this mainly affects upstairs flat. I’m against the plan as it will alter my garden view and light but I know I have no say as it’s permitted development and not physically butting up to my flat. They have however issued an agreement to both flats to sign. I don’t want to sign as I don’t agree but is it a good idea to do so for my own sake? Realise I can’t influence the plan.

Is it a party wall agreement?
This is to ensure your property is protected structurally.
Most people don't sign, as they can then appoint their own surveyor (which your neighbour has to pay for). The surveyor can then check your property before and after works are done to make sure no damage has occurred.

It’s amazing what’s permissible these days. Our neighbours have a giant dorma that basically looks straight into my kitchen window

I’m in ground floor garden flat and there is one flat above -we are both leasehold. Physically it’s upstairs who is affected and needs to be involved with party wall agreement. My flat not involved in building works. London Edwardian Terrace. But have also been given separate agreement to sign. I’m asking advice on significance of thi. I don’t agree with extension therefore don’t want to sign.

Silly to say this now but I read that side windows not allowed? For this reason?

Although, this is a more subtle problem as we are at right angles. Our cottage is the last one on a quite long street. The lane at right angles has a row of four Victorian terraced villas whose gardens back into the side of our cottage and its garden. The middle 2 have back gates and we have a side gate sharing an access path. The path is technically ours and their access is historically permitted (I can’t remember exactly the detail, but it’s not a problem). Our cottage is a historical mishmash, it’s most modern bit being slightly earlier Victorian than the villas. The kitchen window is on the side, their loft extension Dorma is at the back. It’s a big garden, so a little ridiculous that it’s so big a Dorma that they can see in. They just overdid it a bit. It’s like a shop window 🤣

Is it a party wall agreement?

Party wall agreements are specifically about your shared wall - they aren't an endorsement on the overall design.

Ultimately you can't block a legitimate party wall agreement for ever - you can refuse to sign but an independent party wall surveyor can then be instructed to issue a party wall agreement even against your wishes.

Agree this sounds like a party wall agreement, even if you are in the downstairs flat. You should have different options to choose from - one of which is to appoint your own surveyor at their cost. If go with that if you aren't happy. It won't stop them, but will cost them more and covers you against any damage.