Bungalow Extension Pedantics

PRDMKT

Hi All,

I have a somewhat pedantic question, but I feel it’s worth addressing just in case. We're planning to extend our bungalow by incorporating our freestanding garage, but I have a concern that’s been lingering in my mind. 

The garage (a single detached structure) forms part of the boundary with our neighboring property, which is a semi-detached bungalow. My concern is that, in the future, the neighbors could potentially decide to extend their property and connect to our garage, which might change our bungalow’s status from detached to terrace. This could potentially affect the property’s value. 

Am I overthinking this? Is it something that the neighbors could realistically do, or would I have the right to refuse such a connection in order to maintain the property’s detached status?

To be clear, this isn’t something currently on their radar, as our neighbor is an older lady, and the extension required would be significant. But I can’t shake the thought.

Thanks for your input!

Flugelhorn

presume it becomes a "link detached" property?

Bigphil1474

Are you retaining the existing garage or just building on the area it sits on? If the boundary is brought in a foot or two, then there would be no chance of it being connected. Probably worth checking where the exact boundary is, it may not be where the garage wall is, but there may be a small gap. You would also need access for maintenance. Bear in mind, if the neighbour is elderly, then there's really an increased chance of extension given they may end up in a home or deceased, and the property sold on.