Planning permission installation of side window on 1st floor.

TELLIT01

I do think the OP is making a mountain out of a molehill.  What is the likelihood of somebody in the neighbouring property opening the window when the OP's downstairs toilet is in use? 

savit4l8er

I couldn't answer for anyone generally. However, in this case,  they could leave it open all day as they do with their existing bathroom upstairs, it's open now only the houses were built to accommodate people opening side windows without interfering with any facing window  

I expect that was deliberately done.

The chances of opening a window at the same time as the washroom is in use is therefore a mute point. 

Thank you to all that made constructive comments anyway, I think the thing to do is speak to the planning section to see if the window is NO or not and take it from there.
I was just looking for any info that might help in advance rather than opinions which everyone has. 

ThisIsWeird

If you really feel that this could compromise your privacy, and that the problem could be mitigated by a non, or limited opening, section, then I guess the thing to do is to first try and find out what type of window is intended. And to check with Planning whether it'll be stated as being this type in their approval. So, perhaps an approach to the Planning Dept first? If no luck, then submit your objection.
Once it's approved, then you'd need to react promptly to any future breach. If Planning won't take it seriously, you escalate it to the Ombudsman. 
That's my understanding.
I'd still always strongly recommend everyone has LegProt in their insurance, even tho' I fully acknowledge it ain't a panacea. Whether they could apply extra pressure on the P Dept or Ombudsman, I have no idea. But there are countless examples on this and other forums when LP would have been a godsend.

savit4l8er

@ThisIsWeird

Thank you again, that's what I intend to do, I will make a call and find out. I'm a bit surprised they would attempt to do this with an opening window but if they go in stronger, I suppose they can look as though they have been accommodating by changing to non opening. I'm sure I'm not the only person in the land that wants to protect an existing arrangement but it seems some couldn't care less, until it happens to them. 😉
Thank you for your help, much appreciated, all of it. 

FreeBear

Something like this acceptable ?

Frosted glass, with a small top opener. Too high of the ground for most people to peer out of, and the frosting just renders anything as a blob.

Doozergirl

savit4l8er said:

@ThisIsWeird

Thank you again, that's what I intend to do, I will make a call and find out. I'm a bit surprised they would attempt to do this with an opening window but if they go in stronger, I suppose they can look as though they have been accommodating by changing to non opening. I'm sure I'm not the only person in the land that wants to protect an existing arrangement but it seems some couldn't care less, until it happens to them. 😉
Thank you for your help, much appreciated, all of it. 

To go back to a previous question of yours.  The planning department write the planning legislation for the local authority and they have professional qualifications to prove that they understand the national ones.  

When they get a planning application, they measure it to see if it complies with national
and local planning legislation.  A first floor side window, obscured, but opening is about Day 1 of planning school.  They don't need you to tell them that your privacy could be affected - they live and breathe this stuff every day.  Their decisions are based on the rules, not on whether Mrs Johnson has an opinion.  

As for people who "couldn't care less until it happens to them".   Some of them have had to negotiate planning legislation and local authorities for 25 years and speak from that experience.  

FWIW, I also live next door to a brand new cul de sac of six houses, the nearest one being 2m from one side of my house.  It used to be my neighbour's garden.  

It's very easy to listen to people with little experience but who habitually agree with every single OP and recommending legal protection on their home insurance.  They make you feel good and it comes from a place of kindness, but it doesn't come time served knowledge or experience.  

ThisIsWeird

Doozergirl said:

savit4l8er said:

@ThisIsWeird

Thank you again, that's what I intend to do, I will make a call and find out. I'm a bit surprised they would attempt to do this with an opening window but if they go in stronger, I suppose they can look as though they have been accommodating by changing to non opening. I'm sure I'm not the only person in the land that wants to protect an existing arrangement but it seems some couldn't care less, until it happens to them. 😉
Thank you for your help, much appreciated, all of it. 

To go back to a previous question of yours.  The planning department write the planning legislation for the local authority and they have professional qualifications to prove that they understand the national ones.  

When they get a planning application, they measure it to see if it complies with national
and local planning legislation.  A first floor side window, obscured, but opening is about Day 1 of planning school.  They don't need you to tell them that your privacy could be affected - they live and breathe this stuff every day.  Their decisions are based on the rules, not on whether Mrs Johnson has an opinion.  

As for people who "couldn't care less until it happens to them".   Some of them have had to negotiate planning legislation and local authorities for 25 years and speak from that experience.  

FWIW, I also live next door to a brand new cul de sac of six houses, the nearest one being 2m from one side of my house.  It used to be my neighbour's garden.  

It's very easy to listen to people with little experience but who habitually agree with every single OP and recommending legal protection on their home insurance.  They make you feel good and it comes from a place of kindness, but it doesn't come time served knowledge or experience.  

Fair point. But surely that's why you ask? Or do you simply assume that Planning already has a handle on this issue, and just wait to see what type of window goes in?

Hoenir

From your neighbours perspective they will want their own privacy as well. Two sets of frosted glass between the rooms is more than adequate to block any public view. 

ThisIsWeird

Hoenir said:

From your neighbours perspective they will want their own privacy as well. Two sets of frosted glass between the rooms is more than adequate to block any public view. 

Depending on the opener, if it has one. And privacy is almost always more compromised at the lower level.

savit4l8er

FreeBear said:

Something like this acceptable ?

Frosted glass, with a small top opener. Too high of the ground for most people to peer out of, and the frosting just renders anything as a blob.

Thank you, that could be a compromise and it's the type of answer that offers something to keep in my back pocket . It will certainly reduce the ease at which anyone can look downwards albeit unintentionally. 
The OP also mentioned that other areas currently not viewed which to date have been private will also be visible, so far only the ground floor window issue has been commented on so again that window style could help.  Really appreciate your input.

I'll be speaking to the planning officer to try and get his slant on things, he might come and have a look at the sight.