Neighbour planning breach

DevilDamo

Apart from the majority of LPA’s specifically state a glazing level of obscurity and will not accept any film that can simply be removed at any time.

Doozergirl

DevilDamo said:

Apart from the majority of LPA’s specifically state a glazing level of obscurity and will not accept any film that can simply be removed at any time.

A few days (weeks with Covid) to re-order the glass and 15 minutes to fit it then. No more hassle, just time spent waiting.  

As if the planners are going to check it, if it does the job.  There's nothing permanent in obscured glass either.  

greyteam1959

Never mind obscure glass that's missing the whole point that the guy has put a window in that is quite clearly not in the approved plans.

Doozergirl

greyteam1959 said:

Never mind obscure glass that's missing the whole point that the guy has put a window in that is quite clearly not in the approved plans.

The point is that almost any window is allowed if it has obscured glass.  

It's about making window acceptable from a privacy point of view, not about focussing on the neighbour's personality traits.   

It can be sorted out quite quickly without any kind of remonstration, via the planning office.   

greyteam1959

The window was not in the plans.
Whether or it would have been acceptable if it had been in the plans is not the point.
People can't just go around sticking windows in where they want in clear breach of the approved plans.
Planning Enforcement would be the first phone call on my list tomorrow.

Doozergirl

greyteam1959 said:

The window was not in the plans.
Whether or it would have been acceptable if it had been in the plans is not the point.
People can't just go around sticking windows in where they want in clear breach of the approved plans.
Planning Enforcement would be the first phone call on my list tomorrow.

You're somewhat behind then, because the OP has already done that.  Before the first post.  

It will be dealt with appropriately, but it's highly unlikely to involve bricking it up because obscure glass is acceptable.   Ranting about the neighbour when planning only care about the window isn't a good look. 

safclyndz

Thanks all for your replies. 
This was what was stated on the report, had the window been on the plans I would have objected at the time. 

It is proposed for 3no. windows to be inserted within the side elevation of the proposed extension, which will look onto the neighbouring properties gable and rear garden area.  However, the rooms associated with the windows are two upstairs bathrooms and a downstairs toilet, therefore the glazing for these rooms would be obscure glazed.  It is therefore considered that the proposals would not have any adverse impacts upon the neighbouring properties in terms of loss of privacy or overlooking issues.

As I've said we've always been friendly and helped each other out with things so I would have accepted the window being obscured. I don't want to fall out with them but at the same time I don't want to be staring at them every time we're both doing the washing up, or them being able to see through into my living room.

Doozergirl

I'm sure it will be sorted.  You can read into it that they've considered the height differences, and that they'll find that there would be an element of overlooking from this new window and so they will want to protect that privacy for you.  

As I've said. It may not be blocking it up, but they won't be able to see out of it.     You don't need to fall out, just contacting the planning office should be enough.  

 

twopenny

I would be very concerned about that window. Easily have the glass reverted to clear.

They could sell shortly and you could have the neighbours from hell there.

I'm a people pleaser and try to be a good and friendly neighbour but seems they are taking adviantage of you being a nice person and are taking advantage.

Yes, I do think it would affect you selling your house. Most people don't want to be overlooked and it's the first thing people have looked for and commented on when they come to see me in my new home.

They have done the wrong thing. You can be liked by your current neighbours or you can have you privacy. It's not your fault or your problem though they will undoubtably want to make you think so. Time to put yourself first.

Phil4432

Doozergirl said:

Anyone's feelings about the neighbours are totally irrelevant and won't affect the outcome.  I'd absolutely leave feelings out of it and behave like a grown up about it.   

Feelings not logical, Mrs Spock.  Unless they're Mrs Spock's feelings, naturally.