End of terrace - window opening out on to shared pathway/right of access

hann_james

Hello,

Just wanted to get people's opinions please.

I'm in the process of buying an end of terrace new build house, I've not been able to view the property yet but I went for a drive past to see the progress. I've seen a couple of things that concern me in relation to the right of access that I will need to give 3 of my neighbours. It appears that my downstairs window is looking out and opening on to the shared pathway where my neighbours will be walking past and bringing their bins in and out etc. I wasn't expecting this from the virtual tour I was sent so I've highlighted this with the sales team and I'm waiting for them to get back to me, but does anyone know if this is a common feature for your window to be in the shared pathway? This is my first house so I might be being slightly naïve, but I don't think I'd feel comfortable with people being able to walk past my open window whenever they want or potentially leaving their bins outside it. 

Thanks!

theoretica

Lots of windows in cities open directly onto roads and paths - or in many cases, the owner leaves them shut.

canaldumidi

If you will not be comfortabe with this, then look for a different property. But well done for doing some upfront research to discount a property that's inappropriatefor you at an early stage.

m0bov

Fit a blind or curtains. Fit a one way coating to the inside 

diystarter7

Three choices.

1: Don't open the window
2: Look for another property.
3: Open the window and worry about someone complaining or getting injured and suing you.

Personally, if I was in a similar situation to you, I'd go for option 2 as  I worry a lot and if you are like me, you know what to do.

Section62

hann_james said:

It appears that my downstairs window is looking out and opening on to the shared pathway where my neighbours will be walking past and bringing their bins in and out etc.

How wide is the pathway?  How much of the pathway width would be obstructed if the window is fully open?

Is the house listed or in a conservation area?

Woolsery

You speak of "my downstairs window" as if it's an important one, like the main opening in the living room. If it is then consider other matters too, like the view into the pathway will afford, which way it's facing and how much light you're likely to get.

eddddy

Is your concern...

• Injury to passers by - assuming that the window opens outwards
• Privacy - passers by looking through your window when it's closed, even more so when it's open
• Security - opportunist passers by reaching in through your window to steal things, or even climbing in through the window
• Smells - from the bins

Depending on your concerns, solutions might include:

• Keeping the window closed
• Fitting opening restrictors (allowing some ventilation, but not allowing people to reach in or climb in, reducing risk of injury)
• Fitting blinds, glass coatings etc, for privacy
• Fitting bars etc - for security. But that seems a bit extreme!

Ath_Wat

I presume this is at the side of the house?  Is that window the only window in the room?  What sort of a room is it?  Is there any other place that window could conceivably be?

Slithery

Section62 said:

Is the house listed or in a conservation area?

Are any new-builds listed?

canaldumidi

Slithery said:

Section62 said:

Is the house listed or in a conservation area?

Are any new-builds listed?

on rightmove, yes............