Replace fixed obscured windows to clear and/or opening window - Permitted dev?

hi4

Can a neighbor replace fixed obscured windows to clear and/or opening window under permitted development or without planning permission?
We have recently bought a detached bungalow and our neighbors (detached bungalow) had two fixed obscured windows (their living room) on the side and they are planning to replace it with clear opening windows on the side facing which overlooks kitchen and a bedroom. We came to know this while they were chatting to us and mentioned between them. We thought it is a strange way of asking us, perhaps trying to gauge our reaction!? We are not happy with the plans. The space between two bungalow is 2.8 meter approx ( 2 meter ours and 0.8 theirs).
I was trying to find similar question on the net in relation to ground floor window but found none. All I found was information related to upper floor and new extension should have 11 meter gap in order to have side windows. None was related to replace fixed non opening windows to clear and/or opening window on the ground floor.
Our questions:-
Can a neighbor insert clear and/ or opening window under permitted development on the ground floor?
We would like to understand our options if replaced it with clear opening window without planning?
Does anyone had similar experience and/or information that can help to understand the options.

Advance thanks for your inputs.

RLH33

Unless the existing obscure glazed window is covered by a condition on the house/extensions planning permission requiring it to remain like that then no planning permission would be required to change it.

It is permitted development.

AnnieO1234

If you google planning on your councils website you should be able to find a public portal to view their planning permission free of charge.

I assume your homes were probably built at the same time, does yours have obscured glazing? If so, the chances are it is part of the original permissions.

What is it that you find objectionable about their window change? Can I suggest you talk to them and say you're concerned that it will make your home less private? Especially if it's not part of the permissions you will need to approach this carefully. In many ways it will boil down to you putting up a fence or other suitable privacy shield. Windchimes will dull noise also. You might want to invest in blinds or voiles for your windows that will become visible to your neighbours.

Xx

Davesnave

As above, if it's not a condition of PP, they can do it. They may well have been giving you a chance to comment, either at the time or a bit later.

Anyway it's no big deal. You hold the bulk of the separating land and you can choose to obscure their view into your property in whatever way you like, bearing in mind factors like aspect, which we don't know about.

If it were me, I'd certainly talk to the neighbour and try to find out "Why?" 0.8 m of view, which is what they are likely to get, seems very bad value unless they're changing the windows anyway.

A word of caution about wind chimes. They work best when you don't need them and they can be a real irritant, almost up there with a mynah bird next door. That's especially true if you're unlucky enough to buy the one I had, which seemed to play the opening notes from "Postman Pat" whichever way the wind blew! :rotfl: