Neighbour planning breach

GrumpyDil

If it's something that they can spot easily then in a very old existence the planning enforcement officer I worked with would say they spotted it whilst walking/driving past. If not then that would be harder to get away with. 

safclyndz

GrumpyDil said:

If it's something that they can spot easily then in a very old existence the planning enforcement officer I worked with would say they spotted it whilst walking/driving past. If not then that would be harder to get away with. 

So it’s possible they won’t receive anything saying there’s been a complaint? 

It’s very easy to see walking past as it’s the on extension, and our houses are lower than street level so both my window and theirs are easily visible.

Tippytoes

I had a neighbour who had a flank wall window put into his extension - there was nothing on the plans.  I complained about this to the local council within the designated deadline but they failed to respond.  I really felt up against it.  A window looking straight over into my property and a council planning department that ignored my complaint.  I tried liaising with the council but they made every excuse to sweep it under the carpet, stating that the deadline had passed and there was diddly I could do about it. 

Ultimately, I went to the local government ombudsman.  Surprisingly (they're usually hopeless) their investigation came out in my favour and the council was "recommended" to pay me financial compensation.  Unfortunately, as the deadline for my complaint had long since been overlooked by the council, my neighbour got away with breaching planning permission.  This neighbour was a total pain in the proverbial and I ended up having to move house because of his continual anti social  behaviour.  It was his bad luck that I just happened to sell to a family which (I hear on the jungle drums) are worse than he is.  Karma.

safclyndz

So I’ve had my reply from the planning department, he resubmitted the plans and it was approved so I guess that’s that. Now at my own cost I’m going to have to get some sort of privacy film for the window. 

Davesnave

When all else fails the situation may usually be saved with plants. A good sized, non-running bamboo will cost a damn sight more than window film, but if this situation bothering you that much.....

safclyndz

Davesnave said:

When all else fails the situation may usually be saved with plants. A good sized, non-running bamboo will cost a damn sight more than window film, but if this situation bothering you that much.....

Unfortunately it’s all concrete so plants aren’t really an option, and the fence is already 6ft high. 

Davesnave

safclyndz said:

Davesnave said:

When all else fails the situation may usually be saved with plants. A good sized, non-running bamboo will cost a damn sight more than window film, but if this situation bothering you that much.....

Unfortunately it’s all concrete so plants aren’t really an option, and the fence is already 6ft high. 

 Ah well, sticky back plastic it is then....on your window.

Can you live with that? I couldn't, but that's me; a grumpy old git who'd have a veritable jungle out there by April and no messing!

safclyndz

Davesnave said:

safclyndz said:

Davesnave said:

When all else fails the situation may usually be saved with plants. A good sized, non-running bamboo will cost a damn sight more than window film, but if this situation bothering you that much.....

Unfortunately it’s all concrete so plants aren’t really an option, and the fence is already 6ft high. 

 Ah well, sticky back plastic it is then....on your window.

Can you live with that? I couldn't, but that's me; a grumpy old git who'd have a veritable jungle out there by April and no messing!

At my expense too! I think it’s the best option I’ve got with what I can work with. 

I am going to push back with the council however, I have a friend who works with building control so he’s got a decent amount of knowledge, he’s told me they’ve a material amendment which contravenes amenity standard. 

Again, I might not get anywhere, but the reply after the investigation doesn’t mention privacy or minimum distances for overlooking, only that there was an amendment so there’s been no breach as such.  

Jeepers_Creepers

Take it as far as you can - see Tippytoes' post above. Do you have reason to think that Planning won't do anything - could it be that it just takes time?

Jeepers_Creepers

If you did have to resort to screening it, this can be done using a plant trough as wide as the window (wider...), raised on legs if it helps, and with a sturdy post going up at each end to the required height.  Fix strong trellis in between - you can use 2"x1" treated roofing battens to make this - and plant a nice fast climber.

I did this for the in-laws a good few years ago when their neighb replaced the rotten fencing, but took down all the Clematis that was growing along the existing trellis too which meant that the view from t'in-law's kitchen was straight over the new fence and in to their garden - not really what they wanted to look out on to. Anyhoo, I dug in some extra posts on 'our' side, fitted sturdy trellis along the top so's it added the required couple of feet extra height, and mil planted new Clems in large pots. In a year or so it was fully screened again.

If wished, for added antagonism, choose a plant with a colour combination that'll drive them absolutely potty;