Extension with side windows?

Lou71

So my neighbour called my wife today and told her she is building yet another extension. (They have 3 already and this one would be on top of the flat roofed one she already has) She said they decided to build up rather than out. And would we object to a window on the side, facing into our garden. (She reminded us that we have a small bathroom window with frosted glass facing into hers, but failed to mention the 3 windows that already face into our garden at ground level on her extensions). Firstly, the extension would come out about 20ft past our gable end, and with the decision to build up, it would completely block the light in our kitchen. Secondly, a Side window would look directly into our bedroom window, which I am 100% uncomfortable about. And lastly, I am worried about the fact if we ever tried to sell our house, potential buyers would be put off by the fact they will have a huge concrete structure as their view. I really don't want to have an argument with my neighbour, as I see myself living there for at least another 10/15 years - but what can I do? Oh and her parting words were that she needs to have an answer (on whether we object to a side window) by tomorrow. No mention of blocking light or anything, just that they want to put a window in. I am not originally from Ireland, and have really no clue on planning etc. HELP?????

archtech

Its most likely that she will need planning permission, if there are already a number of extensions to the dwelling and the fact it is a first floor extension. You haven't stated if both dwellings are located within a housing estate or on individual sites, which they appear to be.

Subject to the satisfying certain criteria, in terms of over looking etc, she may well be entitled to provide a window on her gable (subject to planning authority consent). it is very hard to comment based on the information provided so far, without everything in context. (distances of dwellings from boundaries etc)

BryanF

Lou71 wrote: »

So my neighbour called my wife today and told her she is building yet another extension. (

1. They have 3 already and this one would be on top of the flat roofed one she already has) She said they decided to build up rather than out. And would we object to a window on the side, facing into our garden. (She reminded us that we have a small bathroom window with frosted glass facing into hers, but failed to mention the 3
2. windows that already face into our garden at ground level on her extensions).
3. Firstly, the extension would come out about 20ft past our gable end, and with the decision to build up, it would completely block the light in our kitchen.
4. Secondly, a Side window would look directly into our bedroom window, which I am 100% uncomfortable about.
5. And lastly, I am worried about the fact if we ever tried to sell our house, potential buyers would be put off by the fact they will have a huge concrete structure as their view. I really don't want to have an argument with my neighbour, as I see myself living there for at least another 10/15 years - but what can I do? Oh and her parting words were
6. that she needs to have an answer (on whether we object to a side window) by tomorrow. No mention of blocking light or anything, just that they want to put a window in. I am not originally from Ireland, and have really no clue on planning etc. HELP?????

1. planning will be required. why not start discussions by politely asking to see the proposed drawings, or ask could her architect prepare a sun study/diagram showing how your light will be effected, a reasonable request under the circumstances.. by approaching the issue this way maybe she will take the hint, rather than you appearing negative
2. does this really matter, you are entitled to build a 6ft fence on your boundary..
3. as you describe it, I would be surprised if she gets planning - and you have a right to object if you so wish
4. well then tell her you would not be happy with this window and perhaps suggest a skylight instead..
5. a very real fear, which you should discuss with her.
6. dont be rushed or disrupted by such comments - heres how you go about objecting if you cant solve the issue with your neighbour between yourselves http://www.fingalcoco.ie/Planning/PlanningApplications/ObjectionsSubmissions/

my advice - explain your issues to your neighbour and ask is there any other way that the extension can be designed that will not adversely effect your property..

Lou71

ok - sorry I should have mentioned I am mid terrace, she is end terrace.
I know I am entitled to build a 6ft fence, and when we started one last summer, she asked us to consider her sunlight in her kitchen, so being nice neighbours, we dropped the fence to 4ft. There will be a 'tunnel' effect with another extension, she already has a first floor extension which goes about 4ft past the end of our house. (We bought our house 6 years ago, applied for planning, and built a 2 storey extension, her existing extensions already creates quite a shadow, this one would practically put us in darkness for most of the day) Is there a limit on how much can be built on a first floor? I know when my other neighbour was extending, they could only go out a certain amount from the original house, (the same as we could, even with planning). I have every intention of trying to be nice about it, and asking for a copy of the plans, but the whole 'I need to know by tomorrow' has thrown me completely! And I am afraid my niceness might go out the window (the front one, not the side one she wants, lol)

BryanF

Lou71 wrote: »

Is there a limit on how much can be built on a first floor?

there is no specific limit set if/when planning permission is required - but the planners will consider your issues of loss of light & amenity but best to object to ensure they are aware of the issues

With first floor extensions some extensions may be exempted - see here http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2001/en/si/0600.html#sched2.. simply put to answer your question without seeing the site and getting some more info is difficult (for instance, does the current extension area exceed 40msq?) From what you have said, I'm presuming that planning is required.

regardless you have the right to object, protect your interests and if this issue cant be solved amicably, you'll just have to live next door to a disgruntled neighbour..

Lou71

Thanks Brian.
Yes, the extensions already exceed 40sq meters (already they have extensions which triple the size of the original house - this will be a 4th extension). I think they are aiming for a hotel or something!
I spoke to a couple of the other neighbours this morning, one being my neighbour on the other side, and she said that this proposed extension will also block alot of her natural light during the day too, so any planning that is sought, she will also be objecting to.
I went outside this morning, just checked on my lunch break there now too - and basically this thing will give me about 2 hours of sun in the evening - and a nice big shadow for the rest of the day. (And that is if I am lucky). Guess I just wait and see if she gives me a copy of plans,and after that, if they are the actual plans she submits - then go about objecting.
Found this too, not sure that I can post it on here? Might be helpful to anyone else with similar situations
http://planning.southdublin.ie/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=350&lang=

In the meantime, I think it's gonna be a long 10/15 years . . . . . . .

mickdw

Yep, get the plans, if not happy, tell her that and see if she is willing to alter it significantly. If not, tell her you will be voicing your concerns to the planners.
Is she even intending to apply for planning?

Lou71

To be honest Mick, I am not sure. last night was the first we heard of it, and the concern to me is that she 'needs to know today'. Will be calling into her after work today to have a little chat, and see how it goes from there. My other neighbour told me the last time she built on, there was no planning on show outside. but I checked the records and know she did actually obtain permission.

wirehairmax

Can I have your neighbours number? Maybe I'd get a chance to price the building ha ha. Sounds like she's fond of having builders around the place.
Seriously though, you are in a bit of a awkward situation. If you say nothing, the back of your house will be nearly covered in, and if you object, you risk falling out with your neighbour. I guess you have to weigh up the plusses and minusses(sic) and decide which is the better option. Dont be pressurised into something that doesnt agree with you though. Take your time.