Attic window added resulting in loss of privacy

mrcheez

Just curious if this is allowed without consultation with affected neighbours...

Our house garden backs onto another house's garden (each garden is around 15m long). Up until today the other house could not see into our garden, but this morning I can see builders have added a large 2x2m window in the attic which now overlooks the garden, thus lowering our privacy.

This actually affects my neighbours either side of me as well since the house to the rear occupies the width of 2.5 of the plots on our side.

Obviously we can do something on our side by installing large poles with tarpaulin between them, although this will be costly and not look great, but I would have thought something like this that affects neighbour privacy would have undergone some sort of consultation?

Mr McBoatface

mrcheez wrote: »

Just curious if this is allowed without consultation with affected neighbours...

Our house garden backs onto another house's garden (each garden is around 15m long). Up until today the other house could not see into our garden, but this morning I can see builders have added a large 2x2m window in the attic which now overlooks the garden, thus lowering our privacy.

This actually affects my neighbours either side of me as well since the house to the rear occupies the width of 2.5 of the plots on our side.

Obviously we can do something on our side by installing large poles with tarpaulin between them, although this will be costly and not look great, but I would have thought something like this that affects neighbour privacy would have undergone some sort of consultation?

Seriously?

Atlantic Dawn

No planning needed for rear attic windows.

ct5amr2ig1nfhp

Why are you concerned that your neighbours can see into your back garden? Are you doing something you shouldn't?

As long as they have planning permission (if required?) - there's not much you can do.

Without going to the extreme likes poles with tarpaulin of course...

ThisRegard

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

No planning needed for rear attic windows.

Is planning not required if the window is within a certain distance of the houses behind, or something like that?

goz83

Not for a skylight. The majority of urban houses overlook neighbouring rear gardens to the back of the house.

the 2x2m size sounds exaggerated, but that's irrelevant.

Masala

mrcheez wrote: »

Just curious if this is allowed without consultation with affected neighbours...

Our house garden backs onto another house's garden (each garden is around 15m long). Up until today the other house could not see into our garden, but this morning I can see builders have added a large 2x2m window in the attic which now overlooks the garden, thus lowering our privacy.

This actually affects my neighbours either side of me as well since the house to the rear occupies the width of 2.5 of the plots on our side.

Obviously we can do something on our side by installing large poles with tarpaulin between them, although this will be costly and not look great, but I would have thought something like this that affects neighbour privacy would have undergone some sort of consultation?

Well - you could do the same and install your own attic window and spend your days / nights looking into his garden!! And lets see how he likes that!!!

Seriously .....what do you really think should be done about it??

Atlantic Dawn

ThisRegard wrote: »

Is planning not required if the window is within a certain distance of the houses behind, or something like that?

If it's a normal Velux style on the back no but if it's a dormer window it would...

If I build an attic conversion do I need permission?

Normally no. However, if work involves dormer windows, permission is needed. If velux windows proposed to the rear, it is exempt. If velux windows proposed to the side/front elevation it is not exempt.

http://www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-services-planning/frequently-asked-questions-planning

Mr McBoatface

ThisRegard wrote: »

Is planning not required if the window is within a certain distance of the houses behind, or something like that?

Once it's on the rear of the house, none is required.

OP it could just be a skylight to brighten a dark landing , nothing to worry about.

Can't believe people have concerns over privacy while choosing to live in built up area's. They don't own the view or the skyline and it's subject to change

mrcheez

sorry should have been clear, it's not a skylight, it's a standard "vertical" window (whatever they're called)... i.e. they've converted the attic into a new room.

So yep, 2 x 2m

Anyway was just curious

freshpopcorn

mrcheez wrote: »

sorry should have been clear, it's not a skylight, it's a standard "vertical" window (whatever they're called)... i.e. they've converted the attic into a new room.

So yep, 2 x 2m

Anyway was just curious

That's a very big sky light! Are you sure of the measurements?

jimmycrackcorm

mrcheez wrote:

Obviously we can do something on our side by installing large poles with tarpaulin between them, although this will be costly and not look great, but I would have thought something like this that affects neighbour privacy would have undergone some sort of consultation?

Grow trees. Unless you're sunbathing nude in the garden, it's a bit much to get upset about people seeing into an open space.

mrcheez

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

Grow trees. Unless you're sunbathing nude in the garden, it's a bit much to get upset about people seeing into an open space.

Not enough space unfortunately, maybe 15m isn't the right length.. might be closer to 8 or 10m.

Also not quite sure why people are considering this is a skylight, it's a window in a room. I guess they're called dormer windows, although the window box isn't sticking out, but recessed inside.

Anyway it's no big deal, they can watch me sunbathe in the nuddy all they want :pac:


Was actually interested in finding out on my neighbours behalf as well.

You should get on to the minister for justice. How dare your neighbours put a window on their house. Next thing they will be wanting to erect a small wooden shed the bastards!!!

ThisRegard

goz83 wrote: »

Not for a skylight. The majority of urban houses overlook neighbouring rear gardens to the back of the house.

the 2x2m size sounds exaggerated, but that's irrelevant.

I understand they already overlook, but when it comes to additions outside of the original planning permission there was something along those lines.

I know a neighbour had an issue when building out and into their attic regarding window placement and it being initially too close to the house behind. The plans had to be changed​ as a result.

Edit, I just read Atlantic's post, dormer may have been something to do with it.

emeldc

From Dublin Co Co website/Planning

If I build an attic conversion do I need permission?
Normally no. However, if work involves dormer windows, permission is needed. If velux windows proposed to the rear, it is exempt. If velux windows proposed to the side/front elevation it is not exempt.

mrcheez

emeldc wrote: »

From Dublin Co Co website/Planning

Interesting. Dormer window is essentially a vertical window in an attic?

Can you see planning permissions online anywhere?

EDIT: sorry found it: http://www.dublincity.ie/swiftlg/apas/run/wchvarylogin.display

Dial Hard

The dormer window thing is interesting. My parents have one in their attic at the gable end of the house but the attic was never actually converted, it was just put in for light. Wonder what the planning requirements are there?

ETA, I'm wondering from a purely speculative POV, my parents window was done as part of an extension to the house with they had full PP for. Just wondering what the regs are for someone who wants to put a window in but isn't actually converting the attic, which the links provided don't seem to consider.

Calahonda52

OP, time for a picture or two.... of the window etc...

emeldc

mrcheez wrote: »

Interesting. Dormer window is essentially a vertical window in an attic?

Can you see planning permissions online anywhere?

EDIT: sorry found it: http://www.dublincity.ie/swiftlg/apas/run/wchvarylogin.display

I just can't believe so many people thought it was ok to slap a window into an attic to overlook anyone's property. Sure whats the difference between that and building an extension with windows peering into your kitchen. Don't they make you frost them up to comply with planning in most cases.

http://www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-services-planning/frequently-asked-questions-planning

mrcheez

Calahonda52 wrote: »

OP, time for a picture or two.... of the window etc...

Sure then my cover is blown :P

Interesting, I found no planning permission application for this property. Might have a gander around the front of the house on my way home to if there's one posted up.

andekwarhola

emeldc wrote: »

I just can't believe so many people thought it was ok to slap a window into an attic to overlook anyone's property. Sure whats the difference between that and building an extension with windows peering into your kitchen. Don't they make you frost them up to comply with planning in most cases.

http://www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-services-planning/frequently-asked-questions-planning

OP sounds like he's going to run crying to the council.

If people are so paranoid about people seeing their garden, just move out to the countryside.

mrcheez

emeldc wrote: »

I just can't believe so many people thought it was ok to slap a window into an attic to overlook anyone's property. Sure whats the difference between that and building an extension with windows peering into your kitchen. Don't they make you frost them up to comply with planning in most cases.

http://www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-services-planning/frequently-asked-questions-planning

The window *does* now look into my kitchen... and, er... my bathroom. So losing privacy in 3 places I guess.

Again I'm not overly concerned as it *is* fixable on my side if I really want it.

Frosted windows would be an easy fix though.

lawred2

emeldc wrote: »

I just can't believe so many people thought it was ok to slap a window into an attic to overlook anyone's property. Sure whats the difference between that and building an extension with windows peering into your kitchen. Don't they make you frost them up to comply with planning in most cases.

http://www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-services-planning/frequently-asked-questions-planning

Velux windows to the rear of a property do not require planning permission. So I don't understand your disbelief.

Dormer windows do because you change the roofline.

What exactly is the problem here? Most first floor windows would allow you to see into the neighbour's garden anyway. If you want that level of 'privacy' - move off on out to the countryside

andekwarhola

mrcheez wrote: »

The window *does* now look into my kitchen... and, er... my bathroom. So losing privacy in 3 places I guess.

You have plain glass in your bathroom window?

mrcheez

lawred2 wrote: »

What exactly is the problem here?

I guess the issue is the "removal" of privacy that once existed for years without consultation with the affected parties.

lawred2

mrcheez wrote: »

The window *does* now look into my kitchen... and, er... my bathroom. So losing privacy in 3 places I guess.

Again I'm not overly concerned as it *is* fixable on my side if I really want it.

Frosted windows would be an easy fix though.

how?

lawred2

mrcheez wrote: »

I guess the issue is the "removal" of privacy that once existed for years without consultation with the affected parties.

I suppose you'll have to take that up with the lawmakers..

If you live in an urban area then such levels of privacy do not enjoy the protected status that you were hoping for I'm afraid.

emeldc

lawred2 wrote: »

Velux windows to the rear of a property do not require planning permission. So I don't understand your disbelief.

Dormer windows do because you change the roofline.

What exactly is the problem here? Most first floor windows would allow you to see into the neighbour's garden anyway. If you want that level of 'privacy' - move off on out to the countryside

IT'S NOT A VELUX WINDOW.

Planning permission has already been granted for all the other windows. The attic window is new which requires new planning permission.

mrcheez

andekwarhola wrote: »

You have plain glass in your bathroom window?

Nah, but I open the window to let out steam during a shower. Structure of the house doesn't allow for a fan to be put in.

lawred2

emeldc wrote: »

IT'S NOT A VELUX WINDOW.

Planning permission has already been granted for all the other windows. The attic window is new which requires new planning permission.

sorry - why are you shouting exactly?

You said and I quote

I just can't believe so many people thought it was ok to slap a window into an attic

to which I responded

Velux windows to the rear of a property do not require planning permission. So I don't understand your disbelief.

Dormer windows do because you change the roofline.

Where is your mention of dormer windows? People don't tend to 'slap' dormer windows into attics..

evolving_doors

andekwarhola wrote: »

OP sounds like he's going to run crying to the council.

If people are so paranoid about people seeing their garden, just move out to the countryside.

Sounds like there's a lot more unhelpful ballyraggers crying just cos the op posed a
question. Which turns out he has a reasonable grievance ... if it's a dormer.

I don't understand why moaners come on threads just to give out to people asking questions. I think it's inverted snowflake syndrome... ohhh look at me I can be Soooooo comfortable with any invasion of privacy and everyone else is sooo insecure these days.

Works both ways though with the window. Our neighbours cut the trees at the end of their garden... now we get views of bathrooms and bedrooms in the morning and night... and it ain't pretty

lawred2

Hang on - if this was a dormer window then planning permission would have been sought by the homeowner.

This means that you missed your chance OP to object.

You'll have to live with it now. Unless they didn't seek planning permission but then they'd have bigger problems that yourself.

mrcheez

Gebgbegb wrote: »

I don't understand why moaners come on threads just to give out to people asking questions. I think it's inverted snowflake syndrome... ohhh look at me I can be Soooooo comfortable with any invasion of privacy and everyone else is sooo insecure these days.

It seems to be forum-based. I've posted in many forums on boards, and most seem to be civil... this one seems to have a lot of people ready to jump down other's throats.

It's a bit like After Hours in that respect

mrcheez

lawred2 wrote: »

Hang on - if this was a dormer window then planning permission would have been sought by the homeowner.

This means that you missed your chance OP to object.

You'll have to live with it now.

Sure I didn't know it was going up until I saw it this morning :rolleyes:
(The house at the back is in another estate so not something I would normally pass on my daily commute)


It's actually still in the building stage, plus they don't appear to have any planning permission... but I'll double check that this eve

lawred2

mrcheez wrote: »

Sure I didn't know it was going up until I saw it this morning :rolleyes:

One requirement of a planning application is a public notice has to be erected detailing the works. For the purposes of inviting contributions/objections etc

emeldc

lawred2 wrote: »

Hang on - if this was a dormer window then planning permission would have been sought by the homeowner.

This means that you missed your chance OP to object.

You'll have to live with it now. Unless they didn't seek planning permission but then they'd have bigger problems that yourself.

So you've read the bit where the OP said it was a dormer window :rolleyes:

mrcheez

lawred2 wrote: »

One requirement of a planning application is a public notice has to be erected detailing the works. For the purposes of inviting contributions/objections etc

There was no indication (to the houses at the back) that any work was going to take place.

lawred2

mrcheez wrote: »

There was no indication (to the houses at the back) that any work was going to take place.

Well they are not under any obligation to knock on doors or send out fliers. They would have had to erect the planning notice.

This stuff can also be found online.

lawred2

emeldc wrote: »

So you've read the bit where the OP said it was a dormer window :rolleyes:

lol

yeah the 'slapping up' of notified, authorised and planned for dormer windows is a right plague

mrcheez

lawred2 wrote: »

Well they are not under any obligation to knock on doors or send out fliers. They would have had to erect the planning notice.

This stuff is also online.

aye and there's the issue... no planning application can be found for that property

lawred2

mrcheez wrote: »

aye and there's the issue... no planning application can be found for that property

then they could have bigger problems

Mr McBoatface

lawred2 wrote: »

One requirement of a planning application is a public notice has to be erected detailing the works. For the purposes of inviting contributions/objections etc

Which most people don't read until the work has started.

Very possible it was applied for and granted and went unnoticed. Permission could have been grant a couple years back with work only starting now.

mrcheez

I take it that the planning permission posting (if any) would still be visible at the front of the house while construction is taking place right?

freshpopcorn

mrcheez wrote: »

aye and there's the issue... no planning application can be found for that property

I don't know if it's legal or not but I know people I know take down their planning notice once the building works starts. So, if you walk around to the front of the house now it might be gone.
It should be online tough. (Address can be funny with planning notices at times)
A picture on this window would be great! Even something similar of the net.

evolving_doors

Mr McBoatface wrote: »

Which most people don't read until the work has started.

Very possible it was applied for and granted and went unnoticed. Permission could have been grant a couple years back with work only starting now.

Think the only way is to check with the council.

mrcheez

Weepsie wrote: »

They said, they guess it's a dormer window and gave a vague description of it. Not that I've any reason to not believe, a picture or an illustration of a similar window would really help.

It's "kinda" like this, but square and extending the roof out rather than the traditional dormer "block"

Gumbo

mrcheez wrote: »

I take it that the planning permission posting (if any) would still be visible at the front of the house while construction is taking place right?

No. It's removed after the 5 week observation period from the date of receipt by the council.

If they have no planning, you can report it in writing to the Planning enforcement section of your LA. They will act on it and ensure the home owner regularises the situation through the planning process or order its removal.

mrcheez

Aha... found the planning permission afterall

"loft conversion with ... 1 box dormer window to rear elevation"

Oh well that's that then... one would have thought the planning permission postings would be visible to the rear residents as well but I guess that's not how it works (it's actually a winding road that's well out of the way in order to pass by the house in question so not something the affected residents would normally pass by to see any planning permission notices)

Gumbo

mrcheez wrote: »

Aha... found the planning permission afterall

"loft conversion with ... 1 box dormer window to rear elevation"

Oh well that's that then... one would have thought the planning permission postings would be visible to the rear residents as well but I guess that's not how it works (it's actually a winding road that's well out of the way in order to pass by the house in question so not something the affected residents would normally pass by to see any planning permission notices)

There's only so much we can legislate for and in fairness only so much site notices you can put up on an urban site.

Mr McBoatface

mrcheez wrote: »

Aha... found the planning permission afterall

"loft conversion with ... 1 box dormer window to rear elevation"

Oh well that's that then... one would have thought the planning permission postings would be visible to the rear residents as well but I guess that's not how it works (it's actually a winding road that's well out of the way in order to pass by the house in question so not something the affected residents would normally pass by to see any planning permission notices)

You'd probably need binoculars to read it on the rear and would be invading thier privacy :-)