Neighbour's extension

mrcow

tonytheviking wrote: »

Here is my source:

(http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/planning_portal/lpg_notes/lpg20.htm)

Rear extensions - special guidelines

Rear extensions, including conservatories, should not dominate, nor materially alter, the existing levels of sunlight, privacy and daylight to adjoining properties.

Two storey rear extensions should not come nearer than 2 metres of a boundary that forms a party wall between terraced and semi-detached properties and 1 metre of other boundaries. The maximum projection from the dwelling should be one third of the garden width. Proposals should satisfy the 45o test.

Any extensions within one metre of the boundary will normally be limited to a maximum of 3.5 metres in length. For every additional metre from the boundary this can be increased by one metre.

I don't live in Wrexham.

My extension runs the whole length of my property. And 5 years ago, I got it re-extended to the first floor. It passed planning just fine (it was actually the guy from planning who designed it).

You've not answered the question. Are you sure you're not suffering from a bit off envy here? If the architect is worth his/her money, then they would have planned a property that is likely to be passed. You need to decide on what grounds you are going to appeal on. And better to stick to facts other than "it's not gong to look the same as mine" - do you have any idea how often planning departmens hear that?

tonytheviking

Thanks for all the comments.

Not envious in the slightest; I think the plans are grotesque. Of course, the forum thread is very limited, as you can't see the plans!

I agree that the architect is likely to have planned a property within legal constraints.

I think I have heard enough of the collective wisdom of this forum to help plan my objection, so thank you all.

I will discuss it with the neighbours when they return from their holiday, and seek clarification of a few matters. There are various minor issues which I haven't mentioned here, including shared drains.

I will come back to the forum and let you know the outcome.

Thanks again,
T

ChrisEvanson

We had exactly the same from our neighbour when we showed them our plans last year 'we don't want to be looking at an expanse of wall'. We pointed out that our house is set back from theirs and we have this at the front anyway! We also have their extension kitchen window looking directly out at us as we come out of our front door.

They asked if we could set in in a bit more, but that would have pushed it towards the other neighbour, and as the utility comes out facing her fence and the shadow is mainly cast from our extension on to her property, we felt that would be unfair.

They then suggested we put the utility their side instead. So we asked how we could have half the lounge entering the utility, the other half extended in a narrow corridor, and the rest extending the kitchen in a narrow corridor.... they then accepted that was no good and suggested several ideas that would have involved loads of RSJ's and pillars to support them as they wouldn't have had walls under them!!!

We ended up saying we didn't want to fall out and would understand if they objected. They didn't. They ended up building a conservatory to bring their living space out by a similar amount.

paddyrg

When you have that conversation with the neighbours, perhaps there is something they can do to sweeten the pill a little for you - maybe replace an old fence with a taller one or grow honeysuckle up their new wall? Or pay towards a conservatory for you, or something? Right now they are probably having a miserable holiday thinking of all the ways neighbours might object to their extension, and how to overcome that!

George_Michael

pcombo wrote: »

OP your just being childish, if someone wants to build an extension in there garden, there property why on earth should you have a decision on that.

They don't have the final decision on whether the extension gets built, but they do have the legal right to state their opinion and object to it if they feel it is wrong.
Isn't this forum entitled consumer rights?

neilmcl

OP, if you're worried whether the extension will get planning consent can I recommend you have a look on here: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/extensions/ and in paricular have a look at the link down the page entitled "Extensions mini guide"

wealdroam

tonytheviking wrote: »

Of course, the forum thread is very limited, as you can't see the plans!

Is the application on the council's website?

Perhaps you can share that with us, although you might not want to as it will disclose your address.

tonytheviking

wealdroam wrote: »

Is the application on the council's website?

Perhaps you can share that with us, although you might not want to as it will disclose your address.

Thanks, but I would prefer to maintain anonymity.

Having reflected on this today, I think one of my main issues is the fact that we have just been presented with plans for a huge extension, without any forewarning, and then told that the neighbours are off on holiday for 2 weeks. It feels like a there has been a lack of common courtesy. It also feels like the neighbours are running away from the issue, and don't want to confront us.

Hopefully we will be able to reach an agreement when they get back.

Thanks for all the comments and links.

T

Valli

Actually it's not up to you to agree the extension with the neighbours - they have to get planning permission first.
Possible thoughts -
1) They are attempting to get a HUGE extension approved - they may well 'settle' for a smaller one anyway - this MAY be a deliberate tactic;)
2) They have shown you the plans then gone away - to give you chance to come to terms with them.
3)If other residents nearby have similar extensions theirs is likely to be passed.
4) If they get 'half' approved now they may well get more approved later.

If there are any party walls ensure your neighbours have insurance in case a dirty great crack appears in your property.

mrcow

tonytheviking wrote: »

Having reflected on this today, I think one of my main issues is the fact that we have just been presented with plans for a huge extension, without any forewarning, and then told that the neighbours are off on holiday for 2 weeks. It feels like a there has been a lack of common courtesy. It also feels like the neighbours are running away from the issue, and don't want to confront us.

T

Actually they've been very courteous.

There was no obligation whatsoever for them to show you the plans or even tell you about the extension. The planning office would have done it anyway. They have not only saved you a trip to the planning office but have even given you two weeks to look at it.

You have some very polite neighbours. Many others would have just said "stuff you" and not given you a second's thought.

They don't need your permission to have an extension.
They don't need your approval.
They don't even have to care what you think when push comes to shove.