Can my neighbour get away with this....

ExEstateAgent

I bet if the OP built something similar in their garden those neighbours would be going crazy about it! 

I would send the council photos of the build and ask again how it complies with the regulations. 

moneysaver

Sounds like a brown envelope has passed hands, or perhaps they work for the council. If someone is going to live in it and size of structure, seems like planning has it wrong.

Moneysaver

Grumpy_chap

I have read this thread with some interest.  
In our area, the Council are very tight on preventing so called "beds in sheds" and use planning enforcement strictly to prevent such developments.

Recently, there was a case where an application for Permitted Development for a structure was turned down and that, like the building in this thread, then resurfaced under "Caravan Act".  It seems as though there are few people familiar with the Caravan Act, quite probably including few people at the Local Authority. 

Maybe the Caravan Act has been hit upon by one or more of the providers of temporary outhouse buildings and is being leveraged in an area where the knowledge to challenge is limited.
I suspect individuals and Local Authorities will increase their knowledge in relatively short timeframes.

I was, in a way, hoping that this thread would give some clarity so that I understood how this applied in the case local to me.  It seems that knowledge is not prevalent within this forum.

ReadySteadyPop

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, looks pretty good.

ReadySteadyPop

BrilliantButScary said:

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.

Not sure that would be a major hassle really? AirBnB if it was loud needy types drinking would be a concern though, getting out the chainsaw or cement mixer to do some "work" in your garden would probably drown them out though.

horsewithnoname

 Bamboo (the clumping type) is your friend. Or some trees or a tall hedge. 

Can’t see it’s that bad, but we’re all different. 

Grumpy_chap

I looked for something about the "Caravan Act" and it does seem as though it is being suggested by some garden room companies as a dodge / loophole around planning requirements.  There also seems to be some VAT saving suggested, so a double win for either the customer or the garden room company.

The criteria for satisfying the "Caravan Act" seem to be that the structure can be lifted in no more then two parts, but can have been originally constructed on site.

https://www.thegardenroomguide.co.uk/planning-permission-or-the-caravan-act-for-my-annexe/2023/04/23/

Schwarzwald

I am with the OP, it’s massive, impacts the garden view negatively and it sounds as if the neighbor is attempting to game the system … 

sheramber

Until you know how it will be used you cannot  say it is  eligible or not .

If it is large family , they may be using it as extra sleeping space but  eating etc in the main house , with the family altogether. 

prowla

I don't think it looks too bad (just my opinion), but I'd be inclined to plant some trees in front of it to obscure the view and (dare I say it) improve that side of the garden anyway (that mature tree towards the back is very nice!).