Building rear extension. Is the neighbour reasonable?

Alice05

Hi everyone!

We're currently looking to build a rear extension as our living space is too small for our needs. We live in a share of freehold flat and have freehold on the garden.

Now, in order to grant us permission the neighbours sharing the freehold are asking us to change their windows due to safety concerns. In an effort to address their concerns we changed the plans several times, offered to build a higher fence, offered to buy security cameras etc. the neighbours are still adamant they wouldn't feel safe. Is it reasonable you are expected to pay >10k to get the sign off? Our extension won't restrict the right of light nor affect their privacy.

At this point in time paying the extra 10k would put a huge pressure on us given the fact the building costs doubled since Covid.

I just wonder if this is a battle worth fighting for. Do I continue throwing money at the issue or limit my losses and move on?

canaldumidi

Alice05 said:

Hi everyone!

We're currently looking to build a rear extension as our living space is too small for our needs. We live in a share of freehold flat and have freehold on the garden.

Build on your own land.

Bit unclear what the 'security concerns' are.

Slinky

Are they saying there's the potential for somebody to climb on your roof and get in through their windows?

Alice05

Apparently someone could climb on our extension and reach their flat. 

On a separate note we have a clause in our lease that specifically states that we cannot make any alterations to the outside walls without their consent.

Alice05

Slinky said:

Are they saying there's the potential for somebody to climb on your roof and get in through their windows?

Correct. 

Slinky

Probably easier and cheaper to look for a more suitable property to move to unless you see this as your forever home.

Slinky

Just another thought, would offering to build your footings deep enough that they could extend their flat on top of yours at some point in the future do the trick? Even if they didn't want to do it themselves, it could make their property more attractive to a future purchaser.

Alice05

Slinky said:

Just another thought, would offering to build your footings deep enough that they could extend their flat on top of yours at some point in the future do the trick? Even if they didn't want to do it themselves, it could make their property more attractive to a future purchaser.

We vaguely discussed that with them, they were not interested in doing it themselves, however we haven't pointed that will make the property more attractive to a future purchaser - we'll try that. 
Thank you Slinky! 

Slinky

Of course there's a downside that it could devalue your property for a future purchaser of yours who don't want the upstairs building on top....  always assuming they could get permission for something that may block light to the neighbours more than your single storey will.

lincroft1710

Slinky said:

Just another thought, would offering to build your footings deep enough that they could extend their flat on top of yours at some point in the future do the trick? Even if they didn't want to do it themselves, it could make their property more attractive to a future purchaser.

When I had a single storey extension built 14 yrs ago, the footings had to be deep enough for a 2 storey extension in order to comply with Building Regs. I would imagine the Regs haven't changed in this respect.

Alice05

Slinky said:

Of course there's a downside that it could devalue your property for a future purchaser of yours who don't want the upstairs building on top....  always assuming they could get permission for something that may block light to the neighbours more than your single storey will.

I was going to book couple of valuations from estate agents, I also ask what effect will this have from a buyers point of view.
Thanks!