Planning permission and the neighbour has concerns!

mrs_baggins

i work for LA and have friends in planning. Obviously each case is an individual one and the officer will take everything into consideration. Just because one or two neighbours objects doeasnt mean to say the apllication will not go through. Some people object out of prinicipal. others because they have a valid reason or feel that they have a valid reason. I dont think it could be refused on the right to light argument unless they have enjoyed certain conditions for 20 years or more or something like that. Just because your neighbour is a solicitor doesnt mean that he will get a better deal.He puts his objections forward and then the LA come to a decision. People on the whole dont like change and this extension will change the building for you and your neighbour. He has the right to object which is why letters are sent out but because he has doent mean to say that it will be refused. All you can do is to talk to the planning officer and see what happens and revise plans if necessary if it falls through.

FBThree

To be honest planners let loads through that impact the neighbours. The neighbours next to my Dads house got permission to extend putting in a conservatory and a hallway to their kitchen, despite us opposing the plans. The main lounge window at Dads now overlooks the coat rack, jumble of muck, etc. Basically we can see straight into their lives and it's not very nice being so unprivate. For example, I was going to clean up our desk under hte window but the lady next door was picking a spot on her boob so I went off to clean a window. Came back, she's still picking the spot. Went to clean a glass door, came back and she's still picking the spot. Yet the planners let the plans through. I despair.

homeworker

Thank you for all your replies, they have all been very helpfull. The building somewhat exists, we would like to change the roof and extend inwards ( a bit confusing). I just hope that we get it, as that was one of the reasons we brought the house.

Debt_Free_Chick

Anyone can object to any planning application and no objection has any greater weight than any other.

Refusal of planning permission can only be on solid planning grounds - so the Council can't refuse permission simply because a neighbour - or 10 neighbours - object.

Overlooking/privacy is usually only grounds for refusal where a habitable room is concerned e.g. living room. If the neighbours are complaining about their utility room, it won't be an issue as it only has "occasional use".

Loss of light is not usually a planning matter either.

Your best bet is to discuss your concerns with the Planning department and ask them if they can see any issues - at least you then get an option to address those issues before the formal plans are submitted.

Debt_Free_Chick

Mecoconuts wrote: »

I believe your neighbour has full right to refuse. I don't think they even need a reason !

I think you mean that the neighbour has every right to object.

Refusal is only in the hands of the Local Planning Authority, based on local & national planning laws.