Planning Permission Issue

bert4567

Hi all - looking on a bit of advice on tactics for objecting to a planning application by neighbor. The application is to put a balcony above my kitchen which is currently a flat roof, it would allow people to look right down onto my garden, and potentially look round the side of the house and into my bedroom. I know you cant object to planning permission based on it devaluing your property, but ive spoken to an estate agent whose said that it could devalue it by up to 25k which is no small sum, obviously depending on the buyer as well. Part of me wants to show her what ive been told in case it sways her decision to go ahead (application is already with the council but not validated as yet) - however im wondering if she could bring that up at hearing saying that this is the reason im objecting, even though the other reasons would be valid. Not sure how to proceed - i could just keep to myself as im going to object anyway - anyone got any thoughts on best course of action ?

davidmcn

The committee will just ignore invalid objections, they won't somehow count against any valid ones you make.

bert4567

So might be worth showing her this in case it changes her mind in going through with it then ?

lincroft1710

bert4567 said:

it would allow people to look right down onto my garden, and potentially look round the side of the house and into my bedroom.

Couldn't your neighbour look on to your garden from an existing window?

bert4567

she can but the windows set back  -the balcony would actually allow her to look right over and round the corner into my bedroom.  The next door neighbors bedroom window would be about 2 foot from the balcony as well   Plus if you've got a balcony there's oviousbly the possibility of noise from it

lincroft1710

Any possibility you could provide a sketch plan, please?

bert4567

Got a picture - the plans have the balcony coming right out to the edge of the roof and round the sides of it up to the edge 

Browntoa

Look at the valid points , which as far as I can see is only loss of privacy . Suggest that the balcony should only look back down the garden and that the side nearest you is screening or a wall to protect your privacy.

Long rambling objections are a no no , succinct and to the point.

I wouldn't discuss with the neighbour 

lincroft1710

If the French windows are in the house in question, there's nothing to stop them walking on to the flat roof anyway

davidmcn

Is planning all that she needs i.e. do your existing leases permit her to carry out these alterations? Is it your roof?

bert4567

Yeah fairpoints - i would think the neighbors bedroom window on the left and the issue of noise from the balcony might be an issue as well.  We have share of freehold with 2 other flats (round the front) - so if planning permission gets granted then building regs, lease's, insurance etc.. would be the next headache.  It is my roof - as per my deeds but not sure if she can apply for flying freehold ?  I know she can alk on the roof anyway, she doesnt as its not meant for outside use