First Floor Extention Objection

PM

Last year my neighbour built a ground floor extention. Now I just got a letter from Barnet planning Services saying the following:

First floor rear extension with pitched roof to match existing. Demolition of existing garage and erection of a new single storey garage with pitched roof.

I checked the Planning website and no plan have been uploaded or submitted, am I right in thinking that they are just putting a pitched roof on to the existing the ground floor extention or are they really thinking of builing a first floor extention ontop?

If this is the case any ideas how best object to stop this?

Thanks

MX5huggy

I would say they are proposing a new first floor.

PM

Whats the best way to object to this, I'm supprised they didn't have to submit any drawings...

Marco_Panettone

On the letter there should be a planning application number. You should be able to search this on the council website, or view it at the town hall/council offices. This will give full details of what's proposed, and how to and when to object. Any objection would need to be in writing to the appropriate person/department.

Doozergirl

They will have submitted drawings, certainly.

You need to find a valid planning reason why they shouldn't.
http://www.richmond.gov.uk/home/environment/planning/planning_consultation_comments_and_applications/objecting_to_or_supporting_a_planning_application/what_is_a_valid_objection_to_a_planning_application.htm

Don't waffle in any objection letter, bullet point if possible. The planners are likely to find the reasons themselves though if it needs to be rejected or altered.

iamcornholio

Either wait for the plans to be uploaded, or visit the council offices and ask to see them. You can't do anything untill you know what the proposed works are

PM

Thanks, I'll make a trip on Friday and check out the planning application in person.

PM

Hi Just checking back, the planning is for a first floor extension, covering half width of house...

Trying to draft an effective objection, if anyone has any points from past experience they would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks

nicka99

I dont have any tips Im afraid other than the system is very much in favour of the applicant rather than those opposing. check the plans for windows that may overlook and also the '45 degree rule' see here http://www.planning-applications.co.uk/righttolight.htm

I opposed our neighbours extension as it is very prominent from the back of our property (its been built now) and cuts out sunlight to our house /outdoor decking but this didnt make any difference. so long as the rules are adhered to (size, street scene etc) unless its a 'substantial' reduction in the amenities (light, privacy, outlook) of the your property it will probably be approved.

ic

If you don't know what they're building, how do you know you want to object to it? Why not get a look at the plans first?

cyclonebri1

It might help if you actually stated what your objections are??

By that I mean here not to the planners

What is it right to light? view loss? over developement?

Or plain jealousy??

I apologuise for the last comment, but I bet half the objections are for similar reasons.
You need to do a little more digging to be armed with as many valid objections before you make it formal, and don't underestimate the effect it will have on neighbourly relations;)