Can my neighbour get away with this....

lincroft1710

Bamberella said:

Herzlos said:

molerat said:

From the earlier link it clearly doesn't comply with the act if it was built on site rather than transported in sections

To qualify as a caravan under the Act, a structure must:

• Be capable of being transported by road (via lorry, trailer, or craned in).
• Be built in one or two sections that can be bolted together on site.

The wording on the 2nd point is a big vague. It doesn't mention where it's build. If it's built in one section on site, or built in 2 halves, then it's fine. It doesn't mention whether it can be split back into 2 sections. 

I'm not sure how it'd be capable of being craned in, or how you'd prove or disprove it. For it to be practical it'd need a decent sub-frame and mounting points but there's no reason you couldn't fit something later to move it. 

I mean it's very obviously being built as a cabin and not a caravan, but that'll be difficult to prove violates the act. 

I think the big sticking point is the council tax if it's a permanent dwelling. Noise may also be a concern if it's too flimsy built, but again that'd be hard to prove. 


Though I will say that it doesn't look any worse than a large shed, and that OP won't even notice it after a while. I find it hard to believe that it's going to ruin the enjoyment of house and garden based on visuals alone. 

With regards to your last comment confirming it does not look any worse than a large shed, I did chuckle!! It is 20m x 6.8m, so a total floor space of 136sqm. The floor space for an average bungalow in England is about 75sqm. In fact this new structure is going to be bigger than the footprint of the original residential house that was built on the plot. I would love to see your shed if it is anything like that size. And as for the fact of ruining my enjoyment, let me paint a picture. When you have spent a small fortune on the designing of your home, which includes 2 x 4m wide sliding doors that lead from your combined kitchen, dining room and living room, (where you spend most of your time with your family) and makes the most of the view of your garden and the neighbouring trees and greenery...yes it does ruin the enjoyment of my house and garden. Sorry if you do not agree but everyone has different tolerances and boundaries. I am just looking for advice, not agreement with my opinions. 

Where are you getting your dimensions from as in the photo the structure seems to cover about 8 fence panels, which would be about 15.5 metres.

WIAWSNB

Bamberella said:

WIAWSNB said:

Did you see the prep work? Any indication a sewer pipe was laid?

Yes they have plumbed into the drain my property shares with the one on their plot

I'm no expert, but that is almost certainly a serious breach of everything under the 🌞.
Planning, Build control, the works.
These folk are effectively building a second home.
I don't understand the council's attitude to this.
Get your local councillor involved.
I have to say, if they do get away with this, please let me know, as I also want to build a cheap extra home to our ol' family home.

ThorOdinson

You are upset by that?

WIAWSNB

ThorOdinson said:

You are upset by that?

It sounds as tho' these folk are taking the mick, big time.
Tell us - you'd be happy with shacks being built next door to you, to house the neighb's extended family? And not pay CT? Or water bills? 

Boohoo

WIAWSNB said:

ThorOdinson said:

You are upset by that?

It sounds as tho' these folk are taking the mick, big time.
Tell us - you'd be happy with shacks being built next door to you, to house the neighb's extended family? And not pay CT? Or water bills? 

Only if it was cycle shed😂😂😂😂😂

lincroft1710

WIAWSNB said:

ThorOdinson said:

You are upset by that?

It sounds as tho' these folk are taking the mick, big time.
Tell us - you'd be happy with shacks being built next door to you, to house the neighb's extended family? And not pay CT? Or water bills? 

Until the property is finished, it will not possible to ascertain if it would attract its own CT band, and unless the main house had a non metered supply, the extra water usage would result in higher bills. Also it looks as if it will be more attractive than a "shack"

WIAWSNB

If they legitimately get away with this, then planning laws are pretty much moot.

secla

The easiest argument would be that it is being used as a permanent dwelling which wouldn't be allowed.
But of course you would have to wait for it to become a permanent dwelling and not just that you think thats what it will be used for.

Of course plan to have a falling out with your neighbour if you haven't already

Herzlos

Bamberella said:

Herzlos said:

molerat said:

From the earlier link it clearly doesn't comply with the act if it was built on site rather than transported in sections

To qualify as a caravan under the Act, a structure must:

• Be capable of being transported by road (via lorry, trailer, or craned in).
• Be built in one or two sections that can be bolted together on site.

The wording on the 2nd point is a big vague. It doesn't mention where it's build. If it's built in one section on site, or built in 2 halves, then it's fine. It doesn't mention whether it can be split back into 2 sections. 

I'm not sure how it'd be capable of being craned in, or how you'd prove or disprove it. For it to be practical it'd need a decent sub-frame and mounting points but there's no reason you couldn't fit something later to move it. 

I mean it's very obviously being built as a cabin and not a caravan, but that'll be difficult to prove violates the act. 

I think the big sticking point is the council tax if it's a permanent dwelling. Noise may also be a concern if it's too flimsy built, but again that'd be hard to prove. 


Though I will say that it doesn't look any worse than a large shed, and that OP won't even notice it after a while. I find it hard to believe that it's going to ruin the enjoyment of house and garden based on visuals alone. 

With regards to your last comment confirming it does not look any worse than a large shed, I did chuckle!! It is 20m x 6.8m, so a total floor space of 136sqm.

I'm not saying it's not big, it is. But in terms of ruined view? 
Once you're finished fuming about it you'll barely notice it's there unless there's a lot of noise. 

WIAWSNB

I'd agree that the visual aspect is not a major point, and can easily be mitigated against with a row of shrubbery. And a normal summer house, garage or large shed could legitimately have been planted there in any case.
The far more significant issue is the seemingly clear breach of Planning, and hence BC.