New window on side of end terrace

shortcrust

I live in an end terrace and want to put a window in the end wall on the first floor. It would overlook a neighbouring garden that's shared by three flats, but not their properties. There's already a small window on the ground floor that's not original to the house. The end is south facing and I want it for more light, especially in the winter. It's a pretty standard Victorian terrace. Am I right in thinking that I'd need planning permission if I don't want obscured glass? Might that be a problem? Any other things to think about?

phill99

You will need planning permission regardless of the glass as it is classed as a 'material change'.

Doozergirl

shortcrust wrote: »

I live in an end terrace and want to put a window in the end wall on the first floor. It would overlook a neighbouring garden that's shared by three flats, but not their properties. There's already a small window on the ground floor that's not original to the house. The end is south facing and I want it for more light, especially in the winter. It's a pretty standard Victorian terrace. Am I right in thinking that I'd need planning permission if I don't want obscured glass? Might that be a problem? Any other things to think about?

As long as permitted development rights haven't been removed from your property then it will be permitted development.

If it is on the ground floor then it doesn't have to be be occurred glass. However, be minded that your neighbour can put up a fence or planting to obscure your view and maintain your privacy.

At first floor and above, it is permitted development but needs to be privacy glass or above 1.7m. It is highly unlikely that planning permission would be given for clear glass as most authorities dictate the same conditions on new builds and extensions. People are always entitled to privacy.

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/14/doors_and_windows

Doozergirl

phill99 wrote: »

You will need planning permission regardless of the glass as it is classed as a 'material change'.

I don't think 'material change' is a real planning term that warrants quotes. 'Material amendment' is, but it doesn't apply here.

Under permitted development, you can make your house almost unrecognisable without planning permission. You can definitely materially 'change' a house within permitted development.

shortcrust

Doozergirl wrote: »

As long as permitted development rights haven't been removed from your property then it will be permitted development.

If it is on the ground floor then it doesn't have to be be occurred glass. However, be minded that your neighbour can put up a fence or planting to obscure your view and maintain your privacy.

At first floor and above, it is permitted development but needs to be privacy glass or above 1.7m. It is highly unlikely that planning permission would be given for clear glass as most authorities dictate the same conditions on new builds and extensions. People are always entitled to privacy.

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/14/doors_and_windows

Thanks that's helpful. Would the bold apply even where gardens are already overlooked by lots of neighbours? As with many terraced areas there aren't many spots that are private.

Doozergirl

There's theoretically no such thing as a precedent, but there is in practicality.

Have a look for your local authority's Supplementary Planning Guidance. It will refer to extensions, most probably, but the rules will be the same.

I know everyone overlooks each other across the back, but at the side is unusual as you can potentially stare straight into each other's houses if neighbours did the same. I don't thinknthey would look for a precedent there, they'd just want it to stop.

Anyway, some councils have free drop in planning surgeries, otherwise you can email in a pre-application enquiry. Have a look at your loval planning page.

LaurenHeath123

I have just had new windows installed and one of which is a window facing my neighbours property - I replaced the window as it was before but instead of lead and wood, it is UPVC - (It is obscured glass as thats what was there before). I know you probably don't want obscure glass (don't think anyone does really!) but mine still lets loads of light through and brightens the landing and downstairs hallway.

My neighbours also have a window in the same place as mine but theirs is a stained glass so you can't equally, they can't see into our property. This is in keeping with the style of the house (1930s) but if you have a period property, maybe its something to consider?

Ruski

Consider a Velux type window and a 'shaft' into the room if the original plan becomes a problem.

Cheers

Russ