Side Window problem

Mrs_Optimist

We have been granted PP for a 2 storey side extension and wanted to insert a side window to the extension to allow natural light for stairs to be fitted for access to the loft. We are on a corner plot with a cul de sac running down the side of our house so no immediate neighbours (although there are neighbours on the opposing side of the road so we have a road between us. PP states that the side window must be obscure glazed and permanently fixed shut to protect the privacy of our neighbours (they wrote to the council complaining about our extension - even though they have had a similar on themselves !) I should add that we currently have a side window that opens -as have all the houses in our street - so we are not adding one, it will just be near to the road because of the extension.

My question is, if the window is more than 1.7 metres above floor level and obscure glazed, would it really be a problem to have one that opened from the top to ventilate the loft? We will have velux windows but they are not much use to open on a rainy day?

Our builder is of the opinion that because there is a road between us and the neighbours and the window will be obscure glazed and more than 1.7 metres above floor level we should just install an top opening window in any event and apply for retrospective planning if the council found out about it. I have never had so much as a parking ticket so am a bit uneasy about this but an opening window would be far better.

Any thoughts please?