Extension with permitted planning and neighbours

Rjhsteel

We are looking into building a extension. Now our initial plans of coming out 6m were met with opposition from our neighbour, which i can understand to a degree.
But if we build a 2 storey extension that only comes out 3 meters, which i believe doesn't require planning permission, and comes under the permitted planning, can the neighbour still complain?   

Thanks

Jeepers_Creepers

I think the regs were relaxed again (it was due to change last year) so up to 6m is still 'permitted development', provided it doesn't take up too much garden space - check your Planning Portal at your council. (Ours was 6m deep, and when it was being planned during 2019 our archi was expecting to have to put it through for PP as the 6m rule was due to be removed, but the gov let it continue at the last moment.)

Very few neighbours are going to love an extension being built, especially a large one, and definitely if it blocks sunlight or a view to any degree.

That is sadly (for them) tough. If it's allowed within PP, then it's allowed and they won't be able to produce a 'valid' reason for opposing it - just moaning won't cut any ice.

Always better to try and talk it thought with the neighbs first if you can - show them your plans and try and assuage their fears as much as possible. Don't fib - don't try and claim it won't block any light if it will, but try and talk through their concerns and see if there's anything you can do to ease their concerns - "it's on the north or east side so might block a little early morning light but...", "it shouldn't affect the value of your house at all, and might even show potential buyers the potential they could have themselves if they needed more room..." etc.

But at the same time, explain why you are doing it - expanding family, working from home, whatevs - and that, whilst you really don't wish to upset anyone or fall out over it, it is absolutely considered acceptable by Planning and is permitted.

If it doesn't mess up your plans too much, could it be reduced by, say, a metre as a compromise - something you can concede in order to keep on good terms? If they are simply unreasonable, tho', just finish by saying "I'm sorry you are not happy with our plans, and I really didn't want to upset you, but this is what we need to make our home what we need. Suck on that..."

If you are pretty confident that there isn't a valid reason for them opposing it - it's just jealousy or pettiness - then still be polite and 'apologetic', but don't concern yourselves too much about it...

Doozergirl

Are you sure you can build a two storey extension under permitted development if you're attached to your neighbour?   

I presume you are attached, as you seem to be wanting to use the 6m rule downstairs... 

Some more homework needed...

Rjhsteel

Homework?
I believe you can come out 3 meters with a 2 storey extension.

Jeepers_Creepers

A 2-storey 6m long extension is pretty sizeable, but it really depends on the size of the house and plot. I think factors come into play too, like has it been extended before?

Bottom line, you seek outline PP and the neighbs will be invited to comment. But "I don't like it" isn't a valid complaint. Other factors could be.

How close to the boundary will it be?

Have you had plans drawn up? Who will you use - a local archi? Have you found one? I bet they'll have a good idea of your chances as well.

Doozergirl

Rjhsteel said:

Homework?
I believe you can come out 3 meters with a 2 storey extension.

Yes, homework.    

"3. Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house. If extension is within two metres of a boundary maximum eaves height should be no higher than three metres to be permitted development."

https://ecab.planningportal.co.uk/uploads/miniguides/extensions/Extensions.pdf

If you are attached, you can't do it under PD unless you were planning to build a modest steeple.  

When you said that the original plans were met with opposition, did you submit them to the local authority? 

Doozergirl

Jeepers_Creepers said:

A 2-storey 6m long extension is pretty sizeable, but it really depends on the size of the house and plot. I think factors come into play too, like has it been extended before?

Bottom line, you seek outline PP and the neighbs will be invited to comment. But "I don't like it" isn't a valid complaint. Other factors could be.

How close to the boundary will it be?

Have you had plans drawn up? Who will you use - a local archi? Have you found one? I bet they'll have a good idea of your chances as well.

They never suggested a two storey, six metre deep extension, only single storey.  In post #1 they were asking about two storey, three metre deep one. 

Tippytoes

Bear in mind that you still have to live alongside your neighbour.  I lived next door to a guy who had a single storey wrap round extension, three feet from my boundary line.  It was an eyesore.  From my house, it looked like a council toilet block.  Not withstanding the view,  my fence was continually under attack from this and that being dragged along too small a gap between our two properties.

I never quite forgave him for his lack of consideration and ultimately, he was the one to suffer when I sold to the family from hell.

Rosa_Damascena

Tippytoes said:

Bear in mind that you still have to live alongside your neighbour.  I lived next door to a guy who had a single storey wrap round extension, three feet from my boundary line.  It was an eyesore.  From my house, it looked like a council toilet block.  Not withstanding the view,  my fence was continually under attack from this and that being dragged along too small a gap between our two properties.

I never quite forgave him for his lack of consideration and ultimately, he was the one to suffer when I sold to the family from hell.

That is awful.

Davesnave

Rosa_Damascena said:

Tippytoes said:

Bear in mind that you still have to live alongside your neighbour.  I lived next door to a guy who had a single storey wrap round extension, three feet from my boundary line.  It was an eyesore.  From my house, it looked like a council toilet block.  Not withstanding the view,  my fence was continually under attack from this and that being dragged along too small a gap between our two properties.

I never quite forgave him for his lack of consideration and ultimately, he was the one to suffer when I sold to the family from hell.

That is awful.

All families from hell have to live somewhere!

TELLIT01

Rosa_Damascena said:

Tippytoes said:

Bear in mind that you still have to live alongside your neighbour.  I lived next door to a guy who had a single storey wrap round extension, three feet from my boundary line.  It was an eyesore.  From my house, it looked like a council toilet block.  Not withstanding the view,  my fence was continually under attack from this and that being dragged along too small a gap between our two properties.

I never quite forgave him for his lack of consideration and ultimately, he was the one to suffer when I sold to the family from hell.

That is awful.

Are you suggesting that somebody should refuse to sell their house if they don't like the potential purchaser?  Following the death of my neighbour, all viewings etc were done by the agent and even their son didn't know who had bought it.