Planning Permission Objections

[User 105]

Guys, anyone got any experience of objecting to a planning permission request.

Next door has put in a planning request for a two story extension at the back of his house. Well two stories on one side going up to roof level, and then one story on our side.

We want to stop it. His house is about a meter and a half further back than ours and from the drawings looks like this is going back another 5 meters and will make our garden feel surrounded on one side.

When we look out of our front room window, now we see lots of nice trees. If he puts this in place we'll basically see a brick wall.

I've contacted the planning officer and am getting them round to discuss my concerns.

I'm a bit peeved at them next door, we are on good talking terms and they haven't even mentioned it to me. Which probably means they knew I wouldn't be happy.

Any advice ?

I've been digging on the net and under planning regs I don't think I can object based on loss of light, view or devaluing my property. All of which we will loose.

Anyone ever used a service of any kind to professionally prepare an objection ?

Thanks

 

[USER1999]

The rulings are fairly clear on what and how you can extend. Not sure you will have any come back on this. The council can only follow the rules.

For the upstairs, the line is 45 degrees from any of your windows. For the downstairs, the rules are different, but they can extend on the boundary line for a set distance (can't remember what it is).

Really think you will be on a loser with this one.

 

[User 105]

Thanks Murph. From what I've researched so far I think you're right. Not sure I can do much.

I just hope it doesn't turn out as bad as I think it's going to be.

It's really got me down. We have a great house and a fantastic garden backing onto a little wooded area. It's wonderful in the garden during the summer. We were over the moon when we found this place 6 years ago.

This just might spoil my little bit of paradise.

 

[toonarmy]

In all seriousness, if you want to get anywhere with Planning councils, bribery goes a long way. I've known far too many situations where the Planning Officer is 'persuaded' to think in a particular way.

How you approach this, however, I can give you no practical advice on!

 

[RGDave]

We've been fighting one and it's currently 2-0.

Trouble is, usually the plans get changed small amounts time after time until it's passed. My experience also suggests that a determined application will make adjustment after adjustment until they get the go ahead.

You've got to try though.

My folk bought a place with a nice gap between them and next door. The gap got filled by a small house built right up to the boundary and there was nothing they could do. They filled in the windows on the side of the house...no joy in looking out of your side window in lounge or kitchen at a brick wall.

 

[thecraw]

PM AMcC,

He should be quite clued up on planning applications and objections, what you can or cant object too.

 

[AMcC]

Hi,

Had a quick read over original post.

If you want to object, do so as quickly as possible and in writing. You should get a receipt confirming they have your objection.

Any objection could carry some weight depending on the existing set up on site. How is your house oriented in relation to your neighbour ? Are there any differences in ground level between you and them and are there any windows on the extension on the side of your boundary.

Planners would have concerns if you were to the north side of the extension and it would cause excessive shadowing. Any windows on the boundary side could create a privacy issue and may have to be removed. If the extension is out of keeping with the character of the area it may not be accepted - has anyone else in the street extended ? The size of the proposed extension may be overbearing and too large too close too your house. The planning Dept may have design policies that any works must comply with. I know most of the Councils in Scotland have design guidance online with recommendations for domestic extensions. The amin criteria is the extension must not dominate the original building.

If you want pm me your details / details of the planning application and I could look at it online and give some comments.

Sorry for the ramblings but hope some of waht I have said will mean something to your particular locations.
Good phrase - detrimental to the visual amenity of the area.

 

[thecraw]

Told you!!!

 

[StrangelyBrown]

Strange suggestion this, but have you thought about talking to your neighbour..?

Just avoids the situation where you, the nice neighbour, suddenly becomes 'that w@nker next door', because you objected without discussing it with them first.

 

[viscount17]

This sounds quite a large extension, is it solely for his own use or is he planning on renting, b&b etc.

If so a possible 'change of use' issue.