Window - Building Regulations Help

jessegeller

Hi, I've got a query and can't find the answer online and was hoping someone on here would have some knowledge they would share : )

I have a small end terraced property that I am trying to do up as a future investment (its my home too but needs lots of work on it!) Basically I have 2 side windows that I am finally replacing. The old windows were metal frames and the size of a postage stamp. I have replaced one with the same size window (frosted) and the second window I am replacing with a much larger one (as I got it from ebay for £20 and I wanted to bring some light into the utility room). Basically this room is on the side of my house and the neighbour next door has complained to my builder saying she wants me to replace the glass with frosted as I can see into her garden. Is there a law on this that windows mustn't allow you to see a neighbours garden? Her house is on elevated ground and she can see my whole garden but I can't say as I care lol. I've not checked but I imagine she can see more into my utility room than I can into her garden as my upstairs rooms are on the same level as her lower level rooms due to how the street is on a slope and houses are stagged.

Any advice welcomed as i quite honestly hadn't even considered that I would need to check regulations (my fault I know but just didn't occur to me I was so pleased to have saved the cash to get someone to fit my windows at long last)

Moss5

If I were replacing windows to the side of my house, I would have sought advice from the council planning department.
If I were enlarging the orifice in a load-bearing wall, I would have asked if building control needed to be involved.
If a builder were doing this work for me, I would have expected them to know the answers to these questions, but would still ask the planning department for reassurance.

iamcornholio

Obscure glazing comes under planning permission, and only applies for side windows on the first floor or higher

For replacing windows, you should use a FENSA registered installer or apply to the council.

Also, if fitting a bigger window and altering the wall, then you would need to apply to the council for that too (FENSA does not cover this)

For your own house, if not selling in the near future then you may want to not bother - if you can rely on the builder doing the work properly