Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[snowberry]

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

[Bramble]

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.

[TheGirlsMum]

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

[snowberry]

Old Mill Stables? Shame Matt's taken!

[sparkysmum]

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

[Olly]

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.

[Seagazer]

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.

[Angie]

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.

[snowberry]

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.

[TheGirlsMum]

yes, Old Mill

[Chortle Chook]

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.

[Cinnamon]

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.

[redhotchick]

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?

[docsquid]

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.