Garden grabbing!

chjh

toerag33 wrote: »

We had this problem several years ago. I went to the citizen's advice and was given a lot of information on how to oppose it. Neighbours proximity to the proposed new build determined what grounds they were allowed to object on. An elderly gentleman drew a 3D drawing showing how different people would be affected by it. Letters were written by everyone - 1 letter per person not per household.

Good luck

Thank you, may well try CAB. Others have said they will write a letter but they are all being too emotive. From research I did yesterday I realise this is futile, hence why I want to construct a letter which includes valid points.

bouicca21 wrote: »

It helps if there are objections from more than one individual, but not using a standard letter.

Worth concentrating on impact on character of neighbourhood, loss of privacy if applicable, increased traffic, Parking difficulties, unacceptable increase in housing density, visual impact.

What about likely impact on wildlife - will the bats be disturbed? I think all bats are protected so impact on their roosts, either by destruction or blocking their access, will be taken into consideration.

I am going to contact Natural England re the bats as I know they are heavily protected. We do have quite a few in the area, we see them a lot. I'm sure even the flight paths they use cannot be disturbed, so this may be one way forward. Thank you.

martindow wrote: »

Planning objections only bear any weight if they refer to the planning policies of the council. You need to look these up and avoid any other irrelevant issues such as loss of view or disruption during building works.



Thank you Martindow. I agree with what you say, which is why I know the other letters being sent by other affected residents will hold no weight, they are too emotional about it (understandable, but not the way to make progress.)
I have spent hours on the County Council website searching for planning policies and cannot find them. It's an awful website (South Staffordshire County Council) and very frustrating. I have e mailed them requesting the relevant links. I need the planning policies before I can even begin this letter. :mad:

toerag33

It does take a lot of time! I remember it well.

We photocopied the plans, the 3D drawing and drew up a letter for everyone detailing their grounds for objection. Light, access, privacy, increased traffic, change of use ... Can't remember it all as it was many years ago. The 3D drawing by a neighbour in their 80's was what made the difference. He did different angles which demonstrated how different households were affected. A letter per person to the planning dept, local councillor and MP. All addresses for this were included for folks.

I personally delivered the information and spoke to each household - many hours. Some people weren't interested until they saw the drawings and realised how it would affect them. Over 70 letters were received by the planning department opposing the development. At the planning meeting the number of letters opposing the development was commented on!

Be very careful how and what you write. The person who is doing the developing may know people in high places. A chunk of money will have been spent by them to get to the planning department stage.

chjh

toerag33 wrote: »

It does take a lot of time! I remember it well.

We photocopied the plans, the 3D drawing and drew up a letter for everyone detailing their grounds for objection. Light, access, privacy, increased traffic, change of use ... Can't remember it all as it was many years ago. The 3D drawing by a neighbour in their 80's was what made the difference. He did different angles which demonstrated how different households were affected. A letter per person to the planning dept, local councillor and MP. All addresses for this were included for folks.

I personally delivered the information and spoke to each household - many hours. Some people weren't interested until they saw the drawings and realised how it would affect them. Over 70 letters were received by the planning department opposing the development. At the planning meeting the number of letters opposing the development was commented on!

Be very careful how and what you write. The person who is doing the developing may know people in high places. A chunk of money will have been spent by them to get to the planning department stage.

Thank you, I will take on board your good advice. I too have found some people are not interested, saying these decisions are already decided prior to us hearing about it. Yes a good deal of money will have been spent by involved persons and yes I guess they do know people in high places. :mad: