Can my neighbour get away with this....

Bamberella

Hello everyone.
I am very upset at the moment and was hoping someone might be able to help.
Basically my neighbours are building a very large "structure" in their garden, which I have been told by the local council that it can remain as it complies with The Caravan Act 1968. It is very large and runs along our shared fence. It is more than 2 metres from the fence but the sheer size of it still means it is very much visible from our property. 
Does anyone know if this is correct and is there any advice out there on how I can get this removed? It has totally ruined the enjoyment of my house and garden, and when we bought this house, we didn't expect a "bungalow" to be built in the garden next door.
I have attached a birds eye view of the neighbouring area, which shows the concrete slab for the "bungalow" with the red cross and my property being the green cross. I have also attached a photo of the view from my bedroom. I am not the only neighbour who has complained to the council about it.

Thank you 

MeteredOut

So long as they have complied with planning laws (and it sounds like they have), then there's nothing you can do.

Personally, after reading your post, i was expecting an eyesore, but I don't think it looks too bad, and should look better once fully clad.

You could consider adding a trellis along the top of the fence between you and your neighbours. Do you still get on with them? If so, I'd consider just doing it with their agreement. If not, there is a chance you'd need permission due to the height, and it does look like you'd need to cut back the growth from their side towards the end of your garden at your house.

Albermarle

MeteredOut said:

So long as they have complied with planning laws (and it sounds like they have), then there's nothing you can do.

Personally, after reading your post, i was expecting an eyesore, but I don't think it looks too bad, and should look better once fully clad.

You could consider adding a trellis along the top of the fence between you and your neighbours. Do you still get on with them? If so, I'd consider just doing it with their agreement. If not, there is a chance you'd need permission due to the height, and it does look like you'd need to cut back the growth from their side towards the end of your garden at your house.

Yes, I was also expecting more of a monstrosity from the OPs comments, which seem a bit OTT.

 It has totally ruined the enjoyment of my house and garden,

sheslookinhot

Do you know the intent of the neighbours in terms of use ? This may be your only cause of complaint.

Bamberella

I'm sorry if you think I'm being OTT. I am just stating how I feel. Where I used to have a lovely view of trees etc, I can now see the side and roof of a 20m x 6m building. 
What planning laws are the neighbours complying with? They applied for Permitted Development which was rejected and classed as unlawful. This is why they are now going down the Caravan Act 1968 route and getting round the need for planning permission. I know an member of the family of the main house is planning on living there with his own family.
I might add the side that faces my garden have windows which can look into mine and my daughters bedroom. Is this allowed?

Bamberella

sheslookinhot said:

Do you know the intent of the neighbours in terms of use ? This may be your only cause of complaint.

Yes. The main house holds most of the family but another relative is going to be living in it with his wife and child.

MeteredOut

Bamberella said:

I'm sorry if you think I'm being OTT. I am just stating how I feel. Where I used to have a lovely view of trees etc, I can now see the side and roof of a 20m x 6m building. 
What planning laws are the neighbours complying with? They applied for Permitted Development which was rejected and classed as unlawful. This is why they are now going down the Caravan Act 1968 route and getting round the need for planning permission. I know an member of the family of the main house is planning on living there with his own family.
I might add the side that faces my garden have windows which can look into mine and my daughters bedroom. Is this allowed?

If the council says they comply with the Caravan Act, then thats the law under which they are building. Do you disagree that they comply with that? Can you link to the Act, as a quick google if "Caravan Act 1968" returns acts related to caravan sites, not siting a caravan on a domestic property land.

Have you checked your neighbours title deeds? Some disallow caravans, and the council won't necessarily police that.

Do you have legal protection on your home insurance policy? You could ask them.

thegreenone

How does it come under the Caravan Act?  It's not even a mobile home, as its being built in situ.

I'm surprised about the windows too.

fwor

If they have complied with planning laws and there are no restrictive covenants on the property that prevent it, there is nothing you can do at present. If it becomes occupied as a residence then there may be grounds to object - but it's too early to do anything about it at this stage.

If you are willing to change the layout of the garden and are able to think in the longer term, one solution would be (for example) to plant a yew hedge along that boundary. That would require no permissions, and if you plant 3ft tall plants now (which can be bought quite cheaply in bulk from one of the hedging specialists) it should be tall enough to obscure it in 4-5 years.

kimwp

I really didn't like it when my neighbours built their garden room- it was much higher and closer to the fence than their shed had been and the window looked down the length of the garden into my kitchen window. But it's just because it's a change - you'll get used to it. Put up some espaliered fruit trees along that bit of the border and it'll look quite nice.

BrilliantButScary

Do you know what the structure is going to be used for?
Unfortunately, I have had experience of them being used as bedrooms for adult children, one of whom had a cannabis habit! 

I have also seen them utilised for Airbnb!

I sincerely hope none of the above will apply.