snowberry Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 My living room doesn't get much light as it faces NE. Today my neighbours have put up an ugly breeze block wall for their conservatory (just over the boundary) that's about 8ft tall That means that I'll never see the sunset (the only sunshine I got) again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 I'm so sorry to hear about this (I have been there with my previous house). Do they have the necessary planning permission - if not, it might be worth reporting it to the Council, although I realise that risks falling out with your neighbours, which isn't something to do lightly. Sending you a hug, I'm very sorry for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGirlsMum Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 I didn't think they could block out sunlight and I know when we had our conservatory fitted some 11 years ago now we had to have planning permission because as I'm sure you know here in Cornwall the planners have really stamped down on stuff. Worth checking. P.S. I'll be passing your next of the woods on my way to the stables on Monday for my Riding for Disabled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted November 25, 2011 Author Share Posted November 25, 2011 Old Mill Stables? Shame Matt's taken! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 How awful Snowberry, poor you. I'm afraid I would def be asking if they have permission to build this outside your window. Can't possibly be allowed, wouldn't think it would be up here. Ax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 If they are your immediate neighbours, then you should have been served with notice of any planning applications. However, as long as it is within permitted development, it's entirely likely that they have had permission - there is no right to a view, sadly, and the 'right to light' is a very specific legal concept, which doesn't usually prevent neighbours from building within their own boundaries. My own neighbours have built an 8' wall next to my kitchen window, it didn't obscure any view and I knew when I saw the planning application that there were no grounds for objection. Most planning authorities insist on walls being finished properly, though - are they going to render the breezeblock or clad it in brick? It will look a lot less offensive when that is done, and perhaps you can paint it white or grow something pretty up it. Not the same as a sunset view, I know, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 When we had our extension built we had to change our plans for the back slightly because it would have effected the light on my neighbour's house as they are set back slightly from us. I would definitely consider contacting the council to check that its been built according to plans etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 My sister had her conservatory plans altered due to the planning dept recommendation as the wall was deemed to obstruct the light into her neighbours room so the wall was reduced to 4 feet and glass window panels above to allow some light into the neighbours. The neighbour was happy with the changes and the build went ahead. Not sure why really as my sis has blinds up and they are closed on that side so it didn't really make any difference did it ? except in winter when the blinds need opening so she can get more light into the sitting room. I always thought you could only build so many feet out or up so as not to interfere with your neighbours view, light etc... even with planning permission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted November 25, 2011 Author Share Posted November 25, 2011 I briefly spoke to a woman at the council who thinks that the wall can only be a maximum of 6ft/2m. I'll call back on Monday when there is a planning Officer in. The trouble is that my house is up for sale & I don't want to get into a dispute with the neighbours as that might jeapodise a sale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGirlsMum Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 yes, Old Mill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 I thought that a 'conservatory' had to be all glass and that if there was a hard wall invovled then it is a 'garden room' and needs planning permission. But I could be wrong as recently planning laws have been changing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 One thing that may be of interest is that any structure that is built onto something that has already been extended,needs permission (I think!) So if their house has already been extended out & they are again building on that,you may find they need permission for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhotchick Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 Would querying planning permission or building regulations count as having a dispute with your neighbours? If you don't query it and it goes ahead would it affect the value or desirability of your house? and therefore your ability to sell? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 Definitely query it with the planning department. There is a maximum area that you can extend a building by, and it may be the conservatory exceeds that. In any case, it is worth checking the law with the local planning officer. Even if you are selling, the buyers would be very pleased if you can sort this out with the neighbour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
