Planning Application Objected To

DRP

jackyann wrote: »

Just another point of view: if both neighbours object this much, then are subject to all the inconvenience that your building work will cause, you may just be causing more bother than it is worth.

I think it does come to a point, when neighbours are getting the full works regarding PWA, objecting to everything, permanently affecting a neighbourly relationship, etc, that it becomes reasonable on cost and hassle grounds to consider moving house.

Naomim

Hi all,

Sorry for the delayed absence. I would like to move but we just cannot afford it.

We will be away when the planners make their decision, I was wondering if I should lodge a reply online to my neighbours objections?

What has surprised me is the neighbours I wasn't expecting to object and with whom we have always had an amicable relationship with now talk loudly in the garden about us. It's like they now want to try and make us move.

I'm finding this whole thing stressful and depressing, however part of me also thinks if they don't like it they can bloody move!

Naomim

So I decided it was a good idea to reply to my neighbours concerns through the planning portal and issued this:

Dear Mr Robinson,

In view of our neighbour’s objections, we would like to take this opportunity to address their concerns.
Both house numbers 128 & 132 have objected on the following grounds:

· Adverse Visual Impact
· Impact on Character
· Design
· Impact on Drainage, Flooding
· Loss of Light/Overbearing
· Loss of Outlook
· Traffic Parking Implications

In **********(our road) ; house No.’s 68 and 84 have two storey flank extensions. These are road facing and in character with the current houses. Our proposed extension will be at the rear of the house and will have absolutely no impact on the visual effect of the road facing side of the house. No. 132 seems to believe it will be a “breeze block, blank, bland box”. We are not sure where they have assumed this information from. Our plans state the external walls will be finished in smooth render with a painted finish. The houses were built mid 1960’s onwards so we feel we are not desecrating a great architectural structure such as a Victorian Terrace.

Both houses have also mentioned outlook and loss of light. No.128 already has a one storey extension of which our rear bedroom looks out onto her flat roof. We do not believe it will make any change to the general outlook nor will either party lose light. Our gardens are North East facing so this shouldn’t affect the light at the rear of the house.

No. 132 is also concerned regarding a general increase in traffic, noise and parking. We believe this should only be objected to if it was to be a permanent inconvenience. As with any building works taking place anywhere, there is an increase with traffic due to deliveries and builders. However this would only be for the short term and will not have an impact once building works would be completed. No. 132 have a driveway so this should not adversely affect them too much. The rest of the street does not have allocated parking so this shouldn’t be a problem as no one will lose “their” parking spaces. Both we and No. 128 are able to park outside our garages in the block next to our terrace.

No .128 has stated the proposed plans are incorrect in relation to the joint alleyway and the room configurations along the party wall at first floor level. As far as we are aware, the alley way between the houses is shared and our party wall meets in the middle which is reflected in our plans.

We believe the next points are not covered by the Planning Department so we’re not sure why they have been mentioned in their objections. However we have replied to their concerns below.

There should be no real impact on drainage. There are currently four people living in the house and will remain to be four people. We will not be using any more water than we currently do. The extension will stretch no further forward than the extension No. 128 currently has. The rest of the garden remains lawn with trees to the rear which are more than capable to continue draining surface water.

No. 128 has also mentioned garden boundaries being reconfigured. We don’t understand why this is in her objection as there is no change to the garden boundaries.

There is also mention of naturally unlit rooms. All rooms will have good and sufficient light.

It's indicated construction access would be limited by virtue of the diagonal front garden arrangements. This is true, however we're sure the builders would arrange with the council to obtain a skip license or permit and make alternative arrangements.
Both parties have mentioned the Party Wall Act. This is in all of our interests to make sure that all parties are covered.


Yours sincerely

I'm hoping this will help the council to see the neighbours and just objecting to things for the sake of it and "sniping". I've tried to keep it professional and not down to a personal level.

NaomiM

DaftyDuck

Well! Really. All I can say is "God Forbid this is approved as everyone else is content with a single storey or conservatory" Won't anyone think of the children!

Beautifully written, if I may say so. Obviously, without seeing the plans, and the context, who has a clue what the decision will be, but it's a clear, reasoned response.

In my limited experience, planning authorities may err on the side of caution, but they don't respond well to "there goes the neighbourhood" nimby responses, and do recognise that extensions can be a necessary part of an area's development.

Keep us posted, and good luck!

Naomim

We've been refused. I'm so upset. All we want is a bigger house. At the moment we can't fit a full size single bed in my daughters bedroom. She's nearly six and still in a toddler bed. The cost of moving is extortionate in proportion to what we would actually get for our money.

srm1

I think that there should be an appeals process that could be used against the planning department - the one I attended was a planning commitee meeting held at our local Town Hall.

System

why has it been refused?
you can always appeal the decision - it's worth a go

DTDfanBoy

Naomim wrote: »

We've been refused. I'm so upset. All we want is a bigger house. At the moment we can't fit a full size single bed in my daughters bedroom. She's nearly six and still in a toddler bed. The cost of moving is extortionate in proportion to what we would actually get for our money.

Have you had a look at what you can build under permitted development, you can build two storey extensions via that route which may be what your neighbours up the road have done .

pollypenny

Oh, bad luck, Naomim!

Are the planning officers prepared to talk to you about amendments?