Question regarding extension

hammertim

Hi,

We have decided to have an extension to the rear of our house, however there is an issue with the neighbours conservatory which has been built right up to the boundary line.
This side of their conservatory is brick built with the last foot of it being windows, the Architect who came round tonight has told us that we have to allow a 2ft access to this side of their conservatory so they can get access to any brickwork that may need repointing or the windows cleaning. Can anyone tell me if this is correct, when the conservatory was built about 8 years ago we were never consulted about it being right up to the boundary line.

Thanks
Tim

kev25v6

They should have left access on their own land for any repairs. Why should you have to loose 2 foot of your land for them? You can build right up to your boundary, there are plenty of houses that are now just inches apart after extensions are built. Just remember to build far enough inside your boundary to allow for the guttering to not overhang your neighbours land.

hammertim

Thats what I thought, but this Architect who came round tonight said we have to allow 2ft. As you say why should I lose 2ft of an extension, as it is their guttering on their conservatory hangs over our side so our guttering will definitely be on our side of the boundary.

Hoploz

The architect is giving you advice for your own benefit ... By which I mean, it's all very well complaining that the neighbour has done the wrong thing. But remember, you will need space to do your own maintenance to your own wall as well. That is why the architect has brought it up at this stage. Its a shame your neighbour has done this, but it can't be undone. Well, it could, but it won't be. The time to complain was when the conservatory was being planned or built.

teneighty

Get a different Architect, he is talking nonsense. You can build right up to your boundary no matter what the neighbour has done. Strictly speaking you would need to get something called a "line of junction notice" to do with the party wall act but that is only a minor formality.