Advice wanted on frosted window!

Stephy13

Hello all

Our neighbour is currently having an extension built for there disabled daughter all paid for by the government. The builders recently, whilst putting in the windows for the extension, replaced all the wooden double glazing for white upvc. They have one window on there landing which overlooks our shared driveway and my patio which was frosted glass. The new one is just plain. What are my rights on this?

I have looked on the council website and planning portal but cant find anything. My partner asked the builder if it was meant to be like that and he said yes.

Our neighbours arent the nicest people so i dont really want to ask them about it until i have got my facts right.

Any views on this would be welcome.

Thank You

McKneff

Why is it such a problem to you, I really dont know what you are asking.

You have no rights whatsoever I;m afraid.

shirlgirl2004

If the window was part of extension it may have been part of the planning permission that the window was obscured. If built recently that may also be the case. Indeed I'd check at the local council for any planning permission for the house and see if the window has been part of any planning application. It is unlikely anyone would choose to have obscured glass other than in a bathroom so it may well have been a requirement. Not all planning applications are on the 'net so you may have to look at permissions in the offices.

dander

I would definitely make enquiries with the local planning department. Windows which overlook neighbours - side facing windows are very often required to be frosted, so it's very likely that they should not be changing this to plain glass.

ormus

the new PP 2008 act.


Extensions and Additions
You can now add to or extend your home without the need to apply for planning permission provided you meet a new set of limits and conditions:

• No more than half the area of land around the original house would be covered by additions or other buildings
• No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway
• No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof
• Maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension of 3 meters for an attached house and 4 meters for a detached house
• Maximum height of a single storey rear extension of 4 meters
• Maximum depth of a rear extension with more than one storey of 3 meters including ground floor
• Maximum eaves height of an extension within 2 meters of the boundry of 3 meters
• Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house
• Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of 4 meters and width no more that of the original house
• Two-storey extensions no closer than 7 meters to rear boundary
• roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house
• materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house
• no verandas, balconies or raised platforms
• upper floor, side facing windows to be obscured glazed, and opening to be 1.7m above the floor
• special restrictions apply to land such as natinoal parks and conservation areas

as for replacing an old window, you would need to check the original planning application.

iamcornholio

Stephy13 wrote: »

having an extension built for there disabled daughter all paid for by the government.

I just have to ask ...... so what?
Arn't we supposed to look after those less fortunate?

As for the windows, if these are existing windows then they can do what they like with them. If part of the extension, then clear or obscure glass would be specified as part of any planning permission.

And what is wrong with them looking over their shared driveway. What can be seen ... car roofs?

McKneff

I'm another one in the 'so what' brigade.

What does it matter !!!!!!. Life is too short,
why does it matter to you. I asked you this in my first post.
What are you afraid of from someone who is disabled.

ormus

ps
all the houses near me are pre war 1930s semis. none of them have any obscure glass apart from the bathrooms.
which are at the front of the houses, above the front door.

iamcornholio

Planners seem to think that we need protecting from our neighbours - all of whom have nothing better to do than sit in upper windows watching our every move.

Its odd that planners will specifiy that obscure glass must be in the windows to stop the occasional glance over the fence, and yet forget that the neighbour is free to put a CCTV camera up on the wall to purposefully monitor/record the neighbours garden all year long.

System

dander wrote: »

I would definitely make enquiries with the local planning department. Windows which overlook neighbours - side facing windows are very often required to be frosted, so it's very likely that they should not be changing this to plain glass.

every house on my estate has one window over lokking the next drive and none of them are frosted so i doubt there is any requirement for them to be frosted.

Stephy13

I knew all the haters would post some random comment. If you dont like my post why waste your time posting a comment??

I have nothing against disabled people my best friend is in a wheelchair why would you think I did??? I was mearly informing you of the situation. As in my orginal post if you read it correctly. It was an existing window which was frosted and is now clear our house is identical and has a window on the landed facing there window.

As for over looking the driveway, I have no problem with them looking at the roof of my car but I have a problem with them looking over my patio which ahs been up till now completely private.

It wasnt part of the planning to renew the whole house which I know you dont need planning for. I was just after a little clarification on whether you needed to replace like for like when renewing the windows.

Thanks to those who posted a valid comment glad so there are some nice people on this forum!!