Air conditioning unit on side of neighbour's house - best approach?

Doc_N

MrsBrush said:

Doc_N said:

MrsBrush said:

We have installed AC at the bungalow we are selling. No need for planning consent / building regs as the external units are fairly small (around 1m x 1m). 

Reality is we will need to get used to seeing these units installed externally. Ours are far more efficient and cost effective for heating than our gas boiler and central heating system, with the added benefit that the units can do both heat and cooling - a godsend in the summer! When gas boilers are phased out, air heat pumps and AC will be come normal. 

For the OP - can you not put a trellis above your fence where the offending unit can be seen from, them grow some pretty plants up it to screen the area off a bit? 

You may find that there’s a problem when it comes to accurate completion of the standard enquiries before sale which the purchaser’s solicitors will make, or have made. They cover all works requiring planning permission, and as you’ll see from the blog post above, air conditioning units do need planning permission. They’re not covered by permitted development rights.

As regards the OP, maybe that’s the answer, depending on the height of the unit.

The council weren't remotely interested when we rang them to check before installation, and beyond possibly making a note of the call, they didn't want anything at all from us. Nothing has come back on the planning searches, and our buyer has signed their contracts for the purchase so we haven't come across an issue with the units. the only thing that came back was we needed a new overflow pipe for the condensed waiter to be connected from one unit into the main drain - which is now sorted. But in fairness, none of them are in anyone's obvious sight line (under a front window at ground level, which is screened by a hedge, about 1.5m above the ground for the unit outside the kitchen and at ground level for the converted garage).  There is a bit of a hum from them outside of they are running, but not at any sort of nuisance levels. So, all good as far as that is concerned. 

 Nothing will come back on the planning searches because no application has been made.

And any problem arising would only arise post-sale if for any reason it became a live issue and retrospective consent had to be sought. The purchaser’s solicitors would advise them that they have the right to make a claim against the vendor for misrepresentation if the works were not declared on the pre-purchase standard enquiries. This work definitely requires planning consent, and if the work wasn’t specifically mentioned in the response to the enquiries there’s a potential come back from the purchasers at any time in the future.

Soot2006

Crying doesn't tend to resolve much. It's OK to have a little cry when feeling emotionally overwhelmed but then reality returns. I  hope your conversation with the neighbour goes well, and you don't need to resort to planning battles.

I thought it was somewhat ironic that your photo came from a blog written by someone whose neighbour complained anonymously and then was identified via their objection to retrospective planning. That dude had several of these units, the three on this picture and a few more on the side of his house facing the neighbour.  Retrospective planning permission was granted.

csgohan4

if all the complaint about the neighbor is air con units, that's not so bad.

Be glad their not avid cannabis lovers or running a love motel there or worse a crack den. 

Sometimes being pragmatic would be best than litigation and/or finger wagging the letter of the law. They are people who you will need to tolerate/live next to for years. 

Sometimes what goes around, comes around. 

Doc_N

csgohan4 said:

if all the complaint about the neighbor is air con units, that's not so bad.

Be glad their not avid cannabis lovers or running a love motel there or worse a crack den. 

Sometimes being pragmatic would be best than litigation and/or finger wagging the letter of the law. They are people who you will need to tolerate/live next to for years. 

Sometimes what goes around, comes around. 

I'm inclined to agree - though the OP is suggesting an amicable discussion, and from what he/she says that seems a possibility.  The very last thing you want is a fallout, because that would have to be declared when selling the house, and could cost a sale.

Monsternextdoor

I need to see this view and unit before I can comment on the tears and tantrums.

csgohan4

could be this, which OP is not disclosing, no wonder the wife is going 'Bananas' about it

sheramber

You say that most of your windows look directly at your neighbour's house?

Are all the windows on the one side of the house?

lookstraightahead

I was feeling for the op before they started taking about "Londonifying" things. What on Earth does that even mean 😂

"occasionally someone moves here from London"

🥴🥴

Sunsaru

lookstraightahead said:

I was feeling for the op before they started taking about "Londonifying" things. What on Earth does that even mean 😂

"occasionally someone moves here from London"

🥴🥴

I think they mean traffic jams, corner shops, air conditioning units and a carnival every August bank holiday.

RelievedSheff

Sunsaru said:

lookstraightahead said:

I was feeling for the op before they started taking about "Londonifying" things. What on Earth does that even mean 😂

"occasionally someone moves here from London"

🥴🥴

I think they mean traffic jams, corner shops, air conditioning units and a carnival every August bank holiday.

Don't forget the big gates.......