Architect - conflict of interest

TallTree

Not sure I'm in the right section..

Our neighbour has put in plans for 3 bungalows in his garden and the next garden along. Obviously we are appealing against it.

The architect they have used is the same one we paid a fortune to, for the extension of our property 2 years ago. The development next door will decrease the value of our house, only 2 years since increasing the value.:mad:

I'm wondering if anyone knows if the architect has breached any code of conduct with respect to us?

becs

An architects job is to draw up your plans and offer designs, they have no responsibility to protect the value of your property. Sounds to me like a classic case of NIMBY! Unfortunately if the council approves the plans there is nothing you can do, it's just life!

Pookle

What becs said.

I work at an Architectural practice. I am afraid they have no conflict of interest or breach of contract with you. All you employ an Architect to do is design, prepare plans, get through planning and oversee any site work if necessary. They are free to work with who they choose.

TallTree

Thanks Pookle. Maybe we'll be able to use something else against him, he was not very good at his job.

I quote this from the ARB code of conduct.

Standard 5
In carrying out or agreeing to carry out professional work, Architects should pay due regard to the interests of anyone who may reasonably be expected to use or enjoy the products of their own work.
5.1Whilst Architects' primary responsibility is to their clients, they should nevertheless have due regard to their wider responsibility to conserve and enhance the quality of the environment and its natural resources.


Plonking 3 bungalows in the middle of a row of semi's back gardens isn't exactly enhancing the quality of anyone's environment!

Thanks again

Pookle

Well yes, I guess there is that duty but ultimately those decisions will be the Councils. Architect's can be very shrewd and will have been faced with this situations hundreds of times

I can only suggest you put your oppositions in writing to the planning authority and give as much background to them as possible. Include in detail how this new development will affect your property especially with regard to the outlook from yours/overlooking onto your property, any light issues and perhaps get some estimated valuations from local estate agents in writing to submit with your letter.

daveyjp

Whether it does or not is down to the planning authority - I would be surprised if anyone would spend thousands on an architect if they had no chance of getting planning permission.

By building in a back garden they are conserving natural resources as it's classed as brownfield land so the new houses aren't on undeveloped land.

Pookle

daveyjp wrote: »

I would be surprised if anyone would spend thousands on an architect if they had no chance of getting planning permission.

It happens every day.

Doozergirl

You need to leave the architect and concentrate on the council. I suggest going to look at the plans and talking to a planning officer about their chances of succeeding with the application and then discussing whether you would be able to make any valid objections to any aspects of the proposal. A planning officer I'm sure will help point out which points might be contentious from a planning point of view.

Devaluing your property is not a valid objection - if you are going to write a letter, then you must stick to the valid points to get those points across properly.

I don't think there are many new build developments that would devalue neighbouring properties; planning law is there to protect you to a large degree. It does affect your living there and it will affect your enjoyment if it was a garden and you don't want a house there, but when those houses are built and a potential buyer views your property, they won't know what it was like before.

takoo

Talltrees

You could try RIBA for advice but I guess pookie is correct.

Have you checked your "deeds" you may be protected by a restrictive covenant - solicitor could advise on action needed if any. may stop scheme or you may get compesation

Takoo

real1314

Right, I gonna be harsh (but fair).

What the architect does has nothing to do with you. they draw up plans as instructed by their client.

Imagine if they did what you wanted and drew up plans for smaller buildings because they'd drawn up plans for you in the past, or what if when they did your plans they'd said they had reduced the size by 25% as they thought it best, but it turned out that it was because another neighbour had asked them to do it following something they'd had done a year earlier?

It's up to the council planning committee whether the plans will be approved or not, and to address anyone else is a waste of your time (and theirs).

takoo

Hi real1234

As I understand the planning system the original poster has the right to make representations to the local planning authority against the proposed development - particularly if severe injurious affection is likely...?

In the event it may be a waste of time to check the deeds but if there is a restrictive covenant it may be foolish not to take advice on any rights emanating from it.

takoo