When neighbours from hell try to get your planning permission rejected

System

Interesting advice from an architect there, seems they don't understand the Planning process which is a bit worrying!!

Ectophile

Anybody is allowed to object to a planning application. It doesn't matter whether or not they own a neighbouring property, of even if they live in the surrounding area.


Councils frequently grant planning permission despite objections. That's especially the case if the objections don't relate to any reason that is valid for objecting to an application. There are lists of valid and non-valid reasons here: https://www.hastings.gov.uk/planning/commenting/.


Edit, having looked back at the original post... Loss of view is listed as not a valid objection. So if they have objected on those grounds, the council should be ignoring it anyway.

LandyAndy

earningNsaving wrote: »

We have neighbours from hell. There are actually 3 houses of them all in their own little area, a click or whatever it's called. Not many on the street has much to do with them because of how they behave. One is next door to us, the other is next door to them and the other is opposite next door. They're all best friends, gossipers, loud, liars - you know the sort. We call them the witches coven.

We have applied for planning permission. We just knew that these 3 houses would object and sure enough so far, one of them has (the one that is furthest away from us and they only moved in a few weeks ago!!). The other 2 we don't think would have a leg to stand on as they don't own their houses - they live in council houses and one of the houses is on benefits. Our architect actually told us if they complained, he didn't think they would have a leg to stand on as they don't own their own homes but said they would most likely still try to object - people like them always do!

Letters have also gone out to the houses the other side of us and opposite us and they are happy for the extension to go ahead. They said it won't block their light or view as we have full light round here all the time yet that house further up that has said it will take away their light (downright lie as the architect went on a website which showed where the light will go and it won't affect them whatsoever). We can see throughout the day they have full light too. It also won't block their view as they don't have any view as it is at present over there. We know they are objecting for malicious reasons only.

So I'm just wondering if the council can see that they would be lying about the view and light or whether they just take peoples word for it and don't bother to investigate to see if they might just be doing it for malicious reasons.

I think we know exactly your sort. :cool:

ronan01

I think you should call them out and discuss your genuine project and make them understand that your project is not going to harm them at all. Even you can also call other good people living around you to support you and who can help you convince them. Besides local authorities will not reject the application without any serious damage or genuine reason for the objecting project. Good luck

mateja87

Hi Architect speaking here;

+ Planners will be objective, a planning application cannot be rejected because a 'neighbour simply doesn't like it'. Planners will take all things into consideration and be impartial.
+ A daylight/sunlight or right of light report could be produced to prove there will be no impact on neighbouring properties. This can be expensive and only used in large developments. An architect can produce a basic study, but it will not be 100% accurate.
+ I don't think you there is such thing as a 'right to a view' so they have no grounds to complain.

Other suggestions, did you consult with your neighbours before the application? Sometimes its best to inform them first and have proactive dialogue with them.

If your extension is on the party wall line, you will need to enter into some form of party wall agreement at some point. You should speak to your architect if this is the case, as you will need to notify your neighbours before work commences, and if they are being problematic now you may want to consider this.

UncleZen

When/if you do have your building work done, make sure the materials are firmly under lock & key!

parking_question_chap

earningNsaving wrote: »

The other 2 we don't think would have a leg to stand on as they don't own their houses - they live in council houses and one of the houses is on benefits. Our architect actually told us if they complained, he didn't think they would have a leg to stand on as they don't own their own homes but said they would most likely still try to object - people like them always do!

Then your architect doesnt know what they are talking about.


The most relevant policies for your neghbours will be about residential amenity, ie the impact its size/scale has on the occupants of adjacent dwellings. Whether they own/rent or are on benefits is totally irrelevant.