Any reason to object to planning permission?

Kai_63

I live in a first floor flat, as part of a Victorian house conversion.

The downstair flat has just been bought and a planning permission request put in for a simple rear extension to make the kitchen diner bigger.

As far as I can tell there's no problem for me except that my view will be of the top of their extension rather than the garden I can see now (which I don't have access to). Clearly I wouldn't object to that!

I just want to check that there's no other issues I should be considering. The only thing I can think of is making sure they'll still be able to give access via a ladder etc to the outer building of my flat?

RAS

Rather than looking at planning permission, have you looked at downstairs' lease? Whose permission do they need to extend?

What is the management company set up?

Kai_63

RAS said:

Rather than looking at planning permission, have you looked at downstairs' lease? Whose permission do they need to extend?

What is the management company set up?

Thanks. I should have said, leasehold is managed by a management company so they need their permission.

My lease actually says I can't alter any internal walls so I'm surprised that the management company would allow this but the downstairs' flat might have different terms.

RAS

It costs about £7 to get a copy of your neighbour's lease, which would indicate what they are allowed to do, from the Land Registry. I think you have to submit a form and may receive the document by post.

twopenny

How close would this be?

Cooking smells, vapour from tumble drier, boiler?

Hopefully not the case and a roof below may make it a little warmer on your side

Kai_63

Oh thank you, I didn't know you could do that. 

FreeBear

Kai_63 said: The downstair flat has just been bought and a planning permission request put in for a simple rear extension to make the kitchen diner bigger.

Negotiate to turn the roof in to a terrace for your flat - Depending on orientation, it could turn out to be a more usable space than a garden.

Emily_Joy

FreeBear said:

Kai_63 said: The downstair flat has just been bought and a planning permission request put in for a simple rear extension to make the kitchen diner bigger.

Negotiate to turn the roof in to a terrace for your flat - Depending on orientation, it could turn out to be a more usable space than a garden.

My thought exactly!

Kai_63

Thank you, will look into options for a terrace too.

ThisIsWeird

Roof terrace - nice idea.
But I wonder what the chances are of the downstairs flat being happy with other folk walking on their roof, and having a grandstand view of their garden?
I wouldn't hold out much - any - hope. Unless you are prepared to pay for a suitable construction to be added to their roof, one that'll fully protect it, soundproof it, be covered by insurance, have an obscuring balcony...
Depending on the roof material, there could possibly be some mileage in them allowing some plants and shrubs in planters on there, which would bring the garden effect up to your level. But again, there's the risk of damage to the surface, and it requiring regular access to maintain the plants - I just can't see that happening.
Perhaps a floating planter, secured - hanging - off your window sill could help to soften the effect of the new roof; a nice line of greenery along the bottom of your window view if needed?

Tracet74

Make sure your neighbour follows the correct procedure in respect of getting a Party Wall Award so your property is covered for any accidental damage