My neighbour's are going to build a 4.8 metre extension under the new laws!!

angie12345

Perhaps I haven't been giving you the full picture?! I live in an urban area of Birmingham, the houses and gardens are small. The neighbours extension is going to be 4.8 metres long and 4 metres at it's highest. At the moment the house is run down and unoccupied. The family who own it live opposite me. They have not approached me at any point. Maybe because there is a language problem...I don't know. If they were concerned about their neighbours fears they would have knocked on my door by now. I have a disabled son. These people already have a large family and several cars and have parked over my drive a number of times since I in moved in last June. I have had to request a marked disabled bay from the council which I didn't think I would have to do....they can see he is disabled every time I leave the house! So I don't believe they are going to pay to make the finish look nice, replace plants or give a tiny rats about the impact on me or the neighbours on the other side who will lose a lot of light because the gardens are east facing. Thanks for your advice anyway.

pinkteapot

securityman wrote: »

Whats the problem? They are not breaking any laws, so why give them a hard time.

OP currently has a 6' fence along one side of their garden, and this will change to a wall ranging in height from 9' to 13'. I'd be pretty upset too, especially if it was on a side that I receive sun over.

Lord_Baltimore

Object to the build through the formal channels. This will most likely fail but it may result in restrictions.

Don't get mad, get even. There is always a way.

Davesnave

Lord_Baltimore wrote: »

Object to the build through the formal channels. This will most likely fail but it may result in restrictions.

It depends how one defines failure. If restrictions are imposed, as current right to light considerations haven't been dispensed with at present, then that's partial success.

Lord_Baltimore

Davesnave wrote: »

It depends how one defines failure. If restrictions are imposed, as current right to light considerations haven't been dispensed with at present, then that's partial success.

Agreed, however I very much doubt that restrictions will pacify the OP's understandable concerns.

In these kinds of circumstances, people need to think creatively about changing their status from victim to adversary. The neighbour has shown no concern for the OP's views.

angie12345

Well.. A huge amount of building materials have just been deposited onto their front garden...so it begins. I did formally write to the council raising my concerns, they sent a planner out to take photos and explain that they have virtually no grounds to refuse it and blamed the governments decision to extend planning rights. Now I realise they are serious I will incorporate some of the points you guys have mentioned via a solicitors letter. Not going to get into a row.

pinkteapot

Do think about what you do as any dispute with your neighbour will have to be declared if/when you sell your house...

Mallotum_X

Have you actually spoken to them yet?

ognum

Mallotum_X wrote: »

Have you actually spoken to them yet?

I agree, why would you not walk across the road and have a conversation.

DRP

Mallotum_X wrote: »

Have you actually spoken to them yet?

yes this.

Not only is it the best way to communicate (initially), it is the smart thing to do as any official dispute will have to be declared and may effect you when you come to sell your house...