October 2008 Permitted Development Act

davethetaller

Hello all,

I live on a newish estate, get on really well with my neighbours, and wish to keep it that way !

I am aware of some of the new legislation brought in last year, namely the Permitted Development act, which I believe was intended to free up the planners somewhat.

A potted version of my problem, is that my neighbour wishes to build a single storey rear extension,to her detached house.

Briefly, they want to extend outwards, for 4 meters, along the full width of the property. They will be using about 40% of their garden which is legally ok. My one and only gripe, is that as I will see it from my garden, it will look over-developed.

I called into the planning office a few days ago, but they did not seem too bothered.

So am I doomed ?,... I read on one site that the extension needed to be a minimum of 2 metres from the boundary, (whereas it will only be 1 metre),
and that it should not be wider than half of the original house width.

Any help or advice will be welcomed.

Doozergirl

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/public/buildingwork/projects/workcommonextensionreal/

Is this a side extension or a rear extension? The four metre rule pertains to building on the back, the 'no more than half the width of the entire house' applies to side extensions.

Single storey?

It can be less than 2m from the boundary but this affects the height that the extension can be.

davethetaller

Doozergirl wrote: »

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/public/buildingwork/projects/workcommonextensionreal/

Is this a side extension or a rear extension? The four metre rule pertains to building on the back, the 'no more than half the width of the entire house' applies to side extensions.

Single storey?

It can be less than 2m from the boundary but this affects the height that the extension can be.

Many thanks for your reply Doozergirl.

Just to confirm, it is a rear extension on a single storey.

Thanks for the link.

I will not hold my breath on this one !

RLH33

If the extension extends more than 3 m from the rear wall of the house then planning permission will be needed.

If/when they apply for planning permission you can then make your objections in writing to the Planning Office.

davethetaller

RLH33 wrote: »

If the extension extends more than 3 m from the rear wall of the house then planning permission will be needed.

If/when they apply for planning permission you can then make your objections in writing to the Planning Office.

Many thanks for your reply RLH33, but under the October 2008 act, they do not need to apply for permission, if the rear extension, is less than 3 metres for a semi, or 4 metres for a detached.

Thanks for trying to help.

Gwhiz

Looking "over developed" is not a valid reason for refusing planning.

lincroft1710

I'm sorry dave, but I don't think there's anything you can do. Even if the extn had required pp it would be extremely doubtful if your objection would have persuaded the planners to refuse permission.

RLH33

davethetaller wrote: »

Many thanks for your reply RLH33, but under the October 2008 act, they do not need to apply for permission, if the rear extension, is less than 3 metres for a semi, or 4 metres for a detached.

Thanks for trying to help.

Sorry, missed the reference to 'detached house'

davethetaller

lincroft1710 wrote: »

I'm sorry dave, but I don't think there's anything you can do. Even if the extn had required pp it would be extremely doubtful if your objection would have persuaded the planners to refuse permission.

In wrapping up this thread, I also give thanks to lincroft1710 and Gwhiz.

I will learn to live with it I guess.

:rolleyes:

ab7167

even if they don't need planning permission, they may need a party wall agreement depending on how close to your foundations they wish to build. this will not affect their ability to build the foundation, but will protect your property from being undermined by their new development. i am not a party wall expert, but i THINK they have to pay all costs associated with the agreement, including the cost of YOUR surveyor. you may wish to try and find more information on this as it could be quite important if they are building very close to your house.

Doozergirl

davethetaller there are rules about the height of the eaves if the extension is less than 2m of the boundary - so it can't be too high - which is really where it may start to look overdeveloped.