Neighbour building his own extension??

Beeboo23

Gavin83 said:

There are very few construction/DIY jobs you aren’t allowed to do on your own house. You can’t play with gas and there’s a few specialist jobs you can’t do but that’s about it.

There are jobs you’ll need to get checked though. Building regs apply and certain jobs (such as some electrical work) will need sign off from the council too.

Was the planning application approved? Did you object? Do the plans match what they’re building? Plans are normally quite detailed and specific, especially around sizing and materials used so they’ll need to follow those. You can complain if they don’t.

However if it’s been approved and they’re following the plans then there isn’t a lot you can do. Unfortunately any reduction in the value of your house isn’t a valid consideration for rejecting a planning application. Neighbours houses can drastically reduce the value of your property but it’s the luck of the draw and there’s generally little you can do about it.

Personally I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the garage though. In all honesty I think it looks better than yours! Were I looking at your house that garage wouldn’t put me off.

We didn’t object to his planning permission. I really don’t mind him having an extension. My main worry was that it’s safe and not going to cause any damage to us (through digging up foundations as all the houses are on a slope). 

I have no idea if they’re following the plans and don’t care to look into it to that level as long as it’s not affecting us that’s all I care about. 

I’m relieved you think his looks better than ours actually. I think it’s an eyesore but I guess it’s personal taste. I tend to worry about these things (although I wouldn’t say anything to them about it). If the consensus is it looks good than that’s great!

eddddy

Beeboo23 said:

 Slightly worried that having all of these wooden shack buildings in view would put off future buyers. 

FWIW - some of the wooden buildings are less than 2m from the boundary, so they would only be permitted development if their maximum height is under 2.5m.  If they're higher than that, they'd need planning consent.

Also, there is a limit that no more than half the land around the house can be covered by extensions and outbuildings - under permitted development.


But if the neighbour has exceeded permitted development rules, I guess you need to decide whether you want to report them - or just ignore it.

More info: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/outbuildings/planning-permission

Beeboo23

eddddy said:

Beeboo23 said:

 Slightly worried that having all of these wooden shack buildings in view would put off future buyers. 

FWIW - some of the wooden buildings are less than 2m from the boundary, so they would only be permitted development if their maximum height is under 2.5m.  If they're higher than that, they'd need planning consent.

Also, there is a limit that no more than half the land around the house can be covered by extensions and outbuildings - under permitted development.


But if the neighbour has exceeded permitted development rules, I guess you need to decide whether you want to report them - or just ignore it.

More info: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/outbuildings/planning-permission

Thanks for this. I’m all for an easy life so can’t see myself reporting it. Just fingers crossed they make the extension look nice and don’t stick bits of wood to the exterior haha. 

ProDave

One valid and modern way for foundations is a "passive insulated slab" where you lay a LOT of interlocking EPS insulation slabs, with an upstand at the edge into which you pour concrete to form a ring beam for the walls.  But I don't think he is doing that as the timber frame (SIPS?) panels would not be going up yet if he was doing that.

stuart45

I've never worked with SIPS, mainly brick and block extensions, so I'm no expert on them, but it looks like he might have used a post and beam footing.

Albermarle

 Then we got a letter through the post that they applied for planning permission. They were originally planning a huge wrap around extension but thankfully changed the plans to just do a rear extension. 

OP - Can you just clarify that your neighbour actually applied for planning permission for the current extension?
I am just wondering whether they applied for permission for a bigger wrap around extension, then withdrew it . Maybe this smaller extension does not need planning permission, so you could not check what was approved ?

Beeboo23

Albermarle said:

 Then we got a letter through the post that they applied for planning permission. They were originally planning a huge wrap around extension but thankfully changed the plans to just do a rear extension. 

OP - Can you just clarify that your neighbour actually applied for planning permission for the current extension?
I am just wondering whether they applied for permission for a bigger wrap around extension, then withdrew it . Maybe this smaller extension does not need planning permission, so you could not check what was approved ?

Yes he did get planning permission for the smaller extension as we were re-notified that he put in a new request. I saw the plan at the time and I’m not objecting to the extension, just wondering if from the photos it looks safe as I didn’t realise you were allowed to undertake these things without any prior experience/qualifications but seems like you are.   

user1977

prettyandfluffy said:

If this is what he got planning permission for, that's fine.  If it isn't, it's a matter for Building Control at your local authority.  You can review his planning application and consent online via your local authority's website.

If it doesn't comply with the planning consent, then it's a matter for the planning department at the local authority.

If it doesn't comply with building regulations, then it's a matter for building control at the local authority.

MultiFuelBurner

If you are up for an easy life maybe remove the pictures of your neighbours garden and work now it's been viewed and replies to.

After all you do need to live next door to the for many years to come.

ThisIsWeird

Beeboo23 said:

I thought he was going to lay concrete after digging out the garden but he’s just laid tarpaulin and is building on that. I’m no expert though so maybe he could pour it through after?

He laid the tarp (I presume it's proper DPM) straight on to the bare soil?

Check your LA's Planning Portal for info - hopefully it'll have his plans on there, since he's seemingly submitted this to Building Control. If there are 'plans', see how it compares with what's on the ground.

Any concerns, you can always contact BC.

There isn't much of his garden left - I wonder if he's breached Permitted Dev just on that alone?