building works without permission...ignore or act?

theGrinch

the next door property sold and developers have moved in and proceeded to renovate the property, which is fine, but they start before 7.30am on everyday save sunday. They seem to be adding a loft conversion and rear extension, while there is no record on the council's site. I am a little concern of the work they are doing especially, but not exclusively to the party walls and regarding building regs. surely they should have permitted development if not planning permission for these works.

should I inform the council or ignore it? I am strongly in favour of advising the council, but I dont really want to be on bad terms with the neighbours as I am due to start an extension shortly. I am told I can do it anonymously, but I think the neighbour will put 2 and 2 together.

anyone been in a similar position?

sham63

If it is 'permitted development' then they can go ahead without having to make any kind of formal planning application.

They will, however, need Building Regs approval. This may all be in hand anyway. You could give Building Control a quick ring to find out.

Also, if any of the works involve the party walls tey should have served notice on you. You could also check this with Building Control.

theGrinch

thanks for the response. under PD they would surely still need to service notice before or shortly after starting. yes involves party walls and no notice served. looking at it, I think it will require PP.

Debt_Free_Chick

theGrinch wrote: »

thanks for the response. under PD they would surely still need to service notice before or shortly after starting.

No - they can just go ahead. But they might need to comply with Building Regs. However, this just involves a visit to inspect the work.

yes involves party walls and no notice served.

Guide to your rights and options here

looking at it, I think it will require PP.

In a situation like this, a neighbour will always be the suspect if it's reported as a breach of planning control. Damned if you do, damned if you don't

But you seem to feel quite strongly about it, so why not report it?

theGrinch

i am sure even permitted development requires a notice to be served.

too late now, just informed the council. I do not mind the work, I am just concerned re party walls

chappers

If they are working on the party walls or any part of the structure within a metre or excavating upto 6 meters away depending on the excavation they must serve you with a party wall notice. And as they are doing a loft conversion I'm sure they will be. i would speak to a party wall surveyor to find out how you can stop the works. Don't let them proceede whilst this is sorted out.
A party wall agreement has to set out the works they intend to carry out how they think it might affect your property and how they intend to repair any damage to your property, which may be caused by their works.
When their surveyor sends you the party wall agreement, if you aren't happy with it and don't agree or you do nothing then it is deemed to be indispute and the nit all gets more complicated with surveeyors involved and all sorts.
I have done work where party wall agreements haven't been drawn up and this is usually ok providing some dialogue has been opened up between neighbours.
If you really are worried about neigbour relations the least you should be doing is speaking to your neighbour looking at his plans and making sure you are happy with his intentions
Have alook here
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/partywall