Can the neighbour object

[whatwouldtheydo]

Hello,

We have got planning permission from the council for a loft conversion. We approached the neighbour next door to sign a party wall agreement. She is refusing and saying she is going to contact the council to object because she thinks it will block out her light.

Can she do this as planning permission has already been granted? Thanks

She can’t object on planning grounds but she can make the party wall process very tricky and potentially expensive for you hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-improving/can-a-neighbour-refuse-a-party-wall-agreement/#:~:text=Yes%2C%20your%20neighbour%20can%20refuse,refuse%20a%20party%20wall%20agreement.

i thought there had to be signage outside the property to say that PP application has been received and any objections to contact the planning department?

I was in your thread about your dog incessantly barking all evening and goes crazy when we neighbours back door light comes on

perhaps the neighbour is pissed off about that!

She is in the upstairs flat. My dog is in the back of the downstairs of my house. Its detached from next door. I would be surprised if he was the problem and she hasn't mention it. She said its a light issue

you said it is incessant barking and driving you insane
every evening
i would be very surprised if she’s not very bothered about this indeed

so next door to you are flats, and she’s in the upstairs flat that will be impacted by this?

Did you inform your neighbour before hand that you were planning a loft conversion? If this is the first shes heard of it then I can understand her being annoyed.

I don't think she can get the planning permission reversed. However if she finds the "right" party wall surveyor she can make the process very slow and expensive for you. Remember you'll have to pay her surveyors fees, so there's an incentive for unscrupulous surveyors to string the process along as much as possible.

Worst case scenario is that she could delay the build for several months at least and cost you several thousand pounds plus.

i always thought that signage had to be displayed to confirm PP had been received and asking for any objections?

This.

*There is no legal requirement for an applicant to inform their neighbour before making an application. The Council will notify neighbours during the relevant stage of the application process, normally through the erection of a site notice near the application site.**

Sid the council not do this OP?

If your houses are detached, why do you need a party wall agreement for a loft conversion?

When we did one, we only needed to have a PWA with the neighbour who we were directly attached to.

We are attached at the front of the house but the kitchen at the back of the house isnt attached to her flat upstairs. It would be almost impossible for her to hear my dog from there

You would be surprised

but why aren’t you answering if the council advised her beforehand as per signage?

I can't work out how to reply to individual messages. There has been no signage up outside the house. I think this only happens if a build impacts a wider community. She will have been notified by the council and the portal is then accesible to the public. I don't know exactly how it works, hence posting here

Did you not ask why she didn’t object before?

Consultation of immediate neighbours is required on most applications by legislation. The consultation process will normally include direct letters to immediate neighbours affected by the proposal.

Will you be blocking her light?

No, its a standard mid terrace loft conversion. Nothing wacky or Ott. Every second house has similar. I thought it was a common build. We have saved for 15 years to get it done so not taking it lightly

in your conversation with her

you presumably asked why she hadn’t objected when the council had notified her?

No, I didn't. I was talking to her about party wall agreements and, to my face, she has said nothing about it. She has just turned the conversation to objecting to planning. I have invited her over to take a look upstairs but she has declined. I have sent her all of the details and links to planning portals. She said I haven't provided enough details but when I ask her what she wants to know, she wont tell me. She won't tell me anything apart from the fact she will be objecting but permission has already been granted.

you need to tell her to go to the council

it would appear they have failed in their duties

yes but if the permission was granted without the council doing as i posted up thread… then it could be overturned if they think her objections hold weight

Make sure you have comprehensive home insurance with legal cover.

I’ve not been in that situation but did find this https://iconsurveyors.co.uk/dealing-with-a-neighbours-party-wall-refusal/#:~:text=Party%20Wall%20etc.-,Act%201996.,for%20carrying%20out%20the%20work.

it looks like even if she won’t sign then there’re steps you can take to make sure you’re covered legally. Obviously adds more time and money though.

Of course she'll be able to hear your dog. I can hear a dog barking inside a neighbour's house about 100 metres away! Are you going to sort out the noise pollution you're causing?