Obscure landing window changed to clear glass

private

Hi

Any help much appreciated!

My mother has just moved house and the front of her new house is facing the gable of the house across the road. She was not overlooked to the front as the gable upstairs landing window of the opposite had obscure glass.

They are doing a large extension and have put in a new window upstairs with obscure glass as per the planning permission. However the builders have also replaced the preexisting windows glass and changed it from obscure to clear.

This is not part of the planning permission and is not in keeping with the rest of the estate. As she is elderly and will be living alone she doesn't want grief but the new clear window is facing her bedroom. The house in question is currently empty and work is ongoing. Should she approach the planning authority or the builders or the architect. She has only been in the house 2 months herself.

sydthebeat

Unless there was a specific condition for the window to be obscure, or it was originally specified as obscure in the planning drawings, then there is not much you can do.

In reality, there shouldn't be an expectation of privacy from a landing window approx 8-10 meters away (assumption of distance from description above)

The alternative is a strategically placed blind or curtain.

private

sydthebeat wrote: »

Unless there was a specific condition for the window to be obscure, or it was originally specified as obscure in the planning drawings, then there is not much you can do.

In reality, there shouldn't be an expectation of privacy from a landing window approx 8-10 meters away (assumption of distance from description above)

The alternative is a strategically placed blind or curtain.

Thanks for getting back to me. The original plans would be in the swords planning office. I could ask them to check the original plans maybe. Or I believe you can go view them yourself. All the other gable windows are obscure whether end of terrace or semi detached. If I find it was a condition what then?

sydthebeat

private wrote: »

Thanks for getting back to me. The original plans would be in the swords planning office. I could ask them to check the original plans maybe. Or I believe you can go view them yourself. All the other gable windows are obscure whether end of terrace or semi detached. If I find it was a condition what then?

If you can determine that they are supposed to be obscure from a planning point of view (by either a condition, or if specified on the drawings for planning) then personally I would approach the occupants and explain
1. your there on behalf of your gran and that she has a serious concerns for her privacy with the clear glazing and
2. that planning for all the dwellings state that it should be obscure and
3. She would like the frosted glazing reinstated or she will have no option but to contact the council on it...

A simple film can be adhered to the window.

private

sydthebeat wrote: »

If you can determine that they are supposed to be obscure from a planning point of view (by either a condition, or if specified on the drawings for planning) then personally I would approach the occupants and explain
1. your there on behalf of your gran and that she has a serious concerns for her privacy with the clear glazing and
2. that planning for all the dwellings state that it should be obscure and
3. She would like the frosted glazing reinstated or she will have no option but to contact the council on it...

A simple film can be adhered to the window.

Thanks! I think we can consider approaching them first or her behalf.

private

private wrote: »

Thanks! I think we can consider approaching them first or her behalf.

Update is that there has been some discussion and they offered to fix the issue by putting up privacy screen and blinds.