Planning Rules

Hilaire

I have read that an extension to a house must not be over 3m high if only 1m away from the boundary.
Does the same rule apply to a new house being built in place of a much smaller bungalow (to be demolished) which, at present, is 3m away from the boundary.

Also, is there a set distance that a 2 storey new-build must be away from existing bungalow? (To allow for light.)
Any answers appreciated.

Doozergirl

You're reading permitted development rules. That's totally different to what might be allowed with Planning Permission. We've just built a massive two storey extension 1m from the boundary with planning permission.

You need an architect! Or at least you need to go directly to the Planning department and ask for advice on what may be acceptable. For example, they simply may not allow a two storey build next to a bungalow at all because of the street scene. I'd consult with an architect first personally and use them to communicate with the planners.

Hilaire

Thank you very much, Doozergirl.

They don't seem too bothered about the street scene or that it will block light from one of my windows and the ONLY door.

Doozergirl

Ah, it's your bungalow!

Well, you are entitled to light only to the windows of your main living rooms. That would usually be at the front or back so therefore they measure how far back the building can go by measuring a 45 degree angle from your nearest front/back window.

Directly to the side, light is entirely irrelevant. Planning Permission can of course be granted 1m from the boundary. You are entitled to privacy which means that if they put windows on the side they should use obscure glass. The planners would dissuade applications where there are main, habitable rooms gaining their light from over the boundary side, whether it was their house or your house, any house. If you have habitable rooms with light coming only from the side then it's bad design in your house that causes the resulting new problem and they can't really be penalised for it.

Is the planning application still open or has it been decided?

ormus

of course they dont seem to be bothered about the street scene.
have you seen the scottish parliament building?

System

ormus wrote: »

of course they dont seem to be bothered about the street scene.
have you seen the scottish parliament building?

yeah pretty shocking they kept the old buildings on the royal mile side - should have demolished them and had a proper go at creating a street scene!

to the op, i assume this is a neighbour trying to get planning permission??
there are certain rules about light and distances between buildings, that's the role of the planning officer to look at these things, if it's too close they will refuse it or request the design is amended accordingly- which rooms are you worried about light entering?
is there anything that is really concerning you about this development apart from the light issues?

Hilaire

This has been referred to the Plans Panel and was due to be decided recently but as a local Councillor and 4 neighbours have objected it has been deferred until the Panel have made a visit to the site. The Planning Officer recommends that it be passed.

Both my house and next door are bungalows at present.
My only, (part glass) door and bathroom window are on that side and I need these to let some light in an already dark house.

The present bungalow North wall would be left in place as it supports my carport roof but this is only 2.75m away from my door. The dormer planned for the new build would be set in a bit from this wall but would be 5.64m high and the roof would be 7.52m high; also 7.52m from the wall top to apex. My door is set into the house by 1m and there are two steps. Opening the door I would not see any sky either from the door or the window and would be met with a massive structure of brick and roof tiles in my face every time I opened the door. This is now in Summer. I would dread Winter.
I have loved living here yet would move out if anyone would buy, but I doubt it now.

Doozergirl

Light to Bathrooms and Front doors don't count for a right to light, so it's pointless arguing that. You need to argue valid planning points so I'd be looking for something like the top roofline being out of kilter with the rest of the street. How high is your house?

You say dormer, so it isn't a traditional two storey house, they'll be calling it a dormer bungalow, no doubt.

Hilaire

If it's true that light doesn't matter to side windows then I don't think there's much else to be done. This application is "Two storey house to replace bungalow."
As it is one end of a row of link-detached bungalows and is next door to a two storey house, I guess this is why the Planning dept have said they approve.
It would look so ugly as it would go right up to the 2 storey like no other house in the road and the owners of that house also objected.
It has been deferred for a site visit by the Plans Panel and my solicitor is speaking at the meeting of the Panel very soon.
I shall let you know the result.
Thanks for your advice and sorry for the late reply.