long story but next door have an extension it has side windows (big ones)

one way glass ie they can see out no one can see in

looking at the planning regs it says windows must be frosted, and they look down on us

anyone know

You can look at their planning permission application online. Should be on the council website. Might not be that detailed but free to have a look.

Council are pretty toothless at enforcement, especially on minor issues, though. Can be an annoying process. Best option is a friendly chat with the neighbour. Everybody needs good neighbours

Not a planning bod, but from what you’ve written, looks like a clear (sorry!) breach of a planning condition. I’d go and ask the neighbours first, but if you’re not happy with their reply, get in contact with the planning department and get them involved with a view to issuing a s179 breach of planning enforcement notice.

As nickjb say.

The planners round here can barely cope with applications, and seem not to have the time or interest in dealing with enforcement.

When was the extension built, and did they have planning permission, used “permitted development” rights or just built it? Your Council should have records of planning permission. If it was permitted development, the Planning Portal says: “If new windows are in an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure-glazed and either non opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor level.”

Maybe they think the obscure glazed bit is when looking in rather than out.

Assuming you  are in England or Wales and that it is a recent development.

There are many and varied things that may affect your situation. It is obviously of concern to you and I would suggest that you make an appointment with a Planning Officer at your local Planning Dept. to discuss the development with regards to both Planning and Building Regulations requirements. You are allowed to view the public details of any Applications. There are a number of things to consider: was Planning Permission required, was building Regulations Approval required, were there any specific requirements/conditions regarding the windows, have the Approved Plans been adhered to, were there any approved amendments during construction.

Building Regulations are pretty much fixed what can and cannot be done, Planning Approval can be at the whimsey of a Committee with complete disregard of the T&C Planning Acts! This is why you are better discussing the development with a Planning Officer; stuff you read in the Planning Portal and other places is for guidance and may not necessarily apply in your specific case.

If it’s first floor then as noted they need to be obscure glazed, which is defined in the technical guidance but not in the legislation.

If it’s ground floor, and they are just on higher ground than you, then they can do whatever.

If the first option give the council a call. They might be busy. Especially with enforcement work, but they are normally responsive and it’s relatively easy for them to resolve.

Alternatively start an extension war by building one just slightly bigger with no window on that side so they just look at s wall…. 😋

are you doing anything worth watching?

<span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Alternatively start an extension war by building one just slightly bigger with no window on that side so they just look at s wall….</span>

And the prize for getting the long story part of the story right goes to

Thanks to all who have chimed in