Next door's decking

Zoetoes

Hi

Just after advice/opinions please..

Next door have started building a decking area, we have split level and sloped (down towards the house) gardens and they have done it on the top level but intead of digging out a bit have done it raised at the front end.

The top of the handrail/posts is higher than our fence and when sitting out in it they will be able to see right into my house (living room and bedroom).

I know there is the 30cm rule for decking without planning permission but what about split level land?

I don't want to be difficult about them doing improvements but I do want a bit of privacy, and I am unsure how to approach the issue or what would be a reasonable compromise.

Thanks

Carrot007

Start walking around naked in the house so they have something to see?

That's what I'd do! Soon scare em off!

Zoetoes

Carrot007 wrote: »

Start walking around naked in the house so they have something to see?

That's what I'd do! Soon scare em off!

Hmm maybe some weird dancing while naked..🤔

AndyMc.....

Many structures in the UK will fall under ‘permitted development’ – meaning they are permitted without Planning Permission. However, they will need to conform to the following rules –

The decking is no more than 30cm (1ft) off the ground
The decking (along with all other extensions, outhouses & garden buildings) take up no more than 50% of the available garden area
You can find further information on Permitted Development on the UK Government Planning Portal.

Where decking structures fall outside of these guidelines, planning permission will always need to be acquired.

Generally, if you are planning on building very simple patio-style, ground-level decking (which is no greater than 300mm) you should be able to rest easy that you don’t require planning permission.

However you should note that there are also a number of situations where ‘permitted development’ will not apply – and planning permission must be obtained at all times –

Where the decking is situated within 20 metres of a highway.
If the structure would affect the value or privacy of neighbouring properties.
If the decking will be attached to a listed building or situated within a national park or conservation area.
If any part of the deck construction exceeds 3 metres in height.

TheCyclingProgrammer

Probably needs planning permission. Report it to the council if you're not friendly and object to the planning application when it is submitted.

Ganga

you could always increase the hight of your fence.

Davesnave

Ganga wrote: »

you could always increase the hight of your fence.

Not really. There's a maximum height for that in law, just as there is for decking, but just as importantly, there's a physical restraint too, called 'the wind.'

Trees don't have that problem.

Zoetoes

Thanks for the replies.

A higher fence would have to be about 12ft and wouldn't solve the problem of them sitting almost opposite the bedroom windows.

I will contact the council, just deciding whether the speak to the neighbours first.

jackyann

I'd say that it depends on the people - but I think if they were easy to approach you would have already done so.
I have found planning / building inspectorate both very helpful, and you can have an informal chat. That way, you know where you stand when talking to the neighbours, even if you initially keep it light and friendly.

Do you think they realise?
We had planning permission some years ago for decking, and when I walked out onto it, I was completely gobsmacked at how much it overlooked our neighbours (garden & kitchen). As the neighbours had agreed to it, I was able to begin the conversation by saying 'I am completely amazed at how high this is, even though we've both seen the drawings'. So I handed a bit of responsibility over to them, whilst sharing the problem.
It was nowhere as near as intrusive as your description, and a compromise of a slightly higher fence, covered in climbers, and us arranging outdoor furniture facing away has solved the problem.

I would certainly consider the compromises you can make, of which the first would be some sort of blinds / sheers. It will be an easier conversation if you show willing.