Forum menu
Is it a valid objection to a neighbours extension to say that it will obscure light to frosted windows? They are to an ensuite and to a bathroom. In both cases the roof will slope away so reduce any effect on them.
Trying to keep everyone happy but wondering if anyone has experience to know where we stand!
Loss of light is a valid reason for objection.
there's a science to it.
There are calculations based on angles, the amount of coverage and whether a legal right to light has been accrued in the first place.
I come across it in work, but I leave it to Pros to deal with Im afraid. However, you may find some decent general advice on some sites if you google hard.
Depends on council but in general if the structure encroaches on a 45 degree line when taken from centre of the nearest affected window then it is grounds for refusal. An objecton is just that. Doesn't really mean it'll impact the outcome. 10 objections and it'll be referred to the local councillor. Ask yourself, is it unneighbourly? It's a shame neighbours don't talk more before these things are planned.
(Ex planning officer)
Thanks. Im focussing on the point that all are frosted windows and that they are for ensuite and bathroom, non habitable rooms. Light loss will be minimal (I know.... so I say) and I agree, need to talk to a pro but it's Saturday night so just nosing around until then.
We gave plans before submitting, we are social with them. We hoped that by giving them the plans before submission they would share objections or concerns given we are close with them and regularly socialise but it's all gone a little "official" now. We told the architect to design as sympathetically as possible so as to keep neighbours as unaffected as we can.... it's costing us more so we are doing our best.
A frosted window is still a window. Only really a factor when a loss of privacy would be an issue not a loss of light.
How far is your house from theirs (doesn't make a real difference, I'm just interested)?
My money is on you being fine.
2m. It's close but there is precident in the area for this being allowed. Paid for planning officer to come and give us guidance too so we have done our best. Hoping we will be fine and that we can keep neighbours happy!
A legal Right of Light and planning are separate matters.
It is perfectly possible for planning permission to be granted for development and then development to be prevented by an injunction.
You have to have enjoyed the level of light for 21 years and the proposed impact to be significant. If you think this is the case I would suggest you get a right of light surveyor to review. Normally settled by compensation but case law provides precedent for stopping development that causes significant harm. Also you should make your objection sooner rather than later.
Jaminb.... the OP is the one building the extension (?) - he's not the one potentially losing light.
2m from the window? That's pretty damn close - I'm taking my money back, you may have a problem there. Whatever the result, let us know the outcome.
There's no need to pay for an independent town planner to get advice. For a start, they won't be the one deciding, that'll be your council planning officer. Seconfly, your council planning officer will advise free of charge.
There's no need to pay for an independent town planner to get advice. For a start, they won't be the one deciding, that'll be your council planning officer. Seconfly, your council planning officer will advise free of charge.
Down our way, they've stopped doing that. I think it now carries a £49 minimum charge for advice - they won't even answer the phone...
We've recently put some properties up on an old school. One of the neighbours has kicked off saying his light has been affected. It would appear he's been told to do one as the planning was in etc way before we bought and started construction.
When looking at it some of the guidance mentioned above has definitely been ignored.
Down our way, they've stopped doing that. I think it now carries a £49 minimum charge for advice - they won't even answer the phone...
I fear charging for services that were previously covered by our council tax is a slippery slope. Charging £49 for something that is a one-off occurrence is bearable, but it might not be long before they start charging you to dump rubbish at the tip. Then what's next...?
@fanatic278 it was one of the actual town council planning people. You can pay them to come out for an hour and look at the property and discuss what you would like to do. They then advise if they think you are tryin to do something that will be approved and you can then submit plans accordingly. We followed his guidance but didn't know this would come up. Regarding 2m, yes, it is close to the wind but there are numerous properties where we live giving these distances the nod. Ah, well, wait and see Time I guess! Thanks all!
but it might not be long before they start charging you to dump rubbish at the tip. Then what's next...?
They already charge us for this!
FWIW I think it's worth getting advice from the planners before you start the back and forth of an actual application. Will probably save you money in terms of drawings and architect fees in the long run.