neigbours extention

[tracey001]

My neighbours want to extend their detached house with a single storey extention that will bring them close to my boundary. The houses are fairly close anyway and we have 2 side windows at lower level, i am therfor concerned about the loss of light. i would be grateful of any advice and objections we may be able to lodge. we have been invited to see the plans at the council, i neighbours have not advised us of their plans.

Best wishes

Tracey Doolan

[chizzy22]

I'd make an appointment at the CAB

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

[sandbach99]

Go to the council ask to see a planning officer to go through the plans with you, he/she is neutral but can give you advice, there should also be leaflets available which will help you write your letter of objection, but do remember you will have to continue to live next door!
Loss of light can be an objection, loss of a view is not.

[jake-the-peg]

There are rules about planning permission and "right to light" and permissable development and they are complex.

this is a fairly good place to start

http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1144677

I presume your neighbour has put in planning permission - in which case you will be able to comment in writing to the planning department when considering this.

When you comment important facts to note are

a) Your neighbour did not discuss this with you before applying for planning permission - planning departments don't like it when peole just apply for permission without consulting neighbours first because it puts them in the role of mediator.

b) is there a history of similar extensions in your road. If there are lots of similar ones your case is not likely to be seen as having any special merit over those that have been approved before - if there have and you can show that for example it approaches your property closer than any previous one approached a neighbour this could help - precident is all.

c) Any special circumstances - is it a conservation area - are three protected mammels such as bats etc.

If this is not a new precident and considering that it's a single story then they are likely to get permission although you might be able to get the size ammended or windows altered especially if they are putting in windows that overlook you.

If they do get permission get the plans and keep an eye on them. If they put in windows where they shouldn't be or deviate from the plan - phone the planners enforcement department immediately getting retrospective approval when the work is done is an old trick.