windows in extension - exempt or not?

jmBuildExt

Hi

Short story: Building ground floor extension and windows going in today. Builder had a complaint from the neightbour on the side labelled "boundary" - the neighbour said the glass should be satinised... (we have a view into their kitchen which we plan on address by adding a trellis or something to the top of the wall)

But Im starting to second guess myself here... The extension is <40sqm, area of garden remaining is >25sqm etc ....the windows are >1m from the boundary but I'm starting to wonder are you allowed face them backwards?

As you can see from the attachment there's a little courrtyard and the window actually angles back towards their house.

Edit: I better explain the pic. Existing house is semi-D and the neighbour in question is on that side I labelled boundary. The new extension is the funny T shape coming off the existing house. The "offending" window is in the courtyard thats been created by the extension on the boundary side.

Edit: Also I actually submitted a section 5 declaration with the plans and it came back saying the windows were not >1m from the boundary - so I assumed that was the only issue and changes were made to change the angle the wall comes off the existing house so that the window is now > 1m from the boundary. And I didn't submit it again. Also Ive an architect on board and he thinks its fine (but they didnt copt the 1m issue in the 1st place (a slight over-sight rather than negligence I would say) - hence seeking second opinion before I go and talk with the neighbour)

Gumbo

Can you posts a proper pic of the works?
The windows have to be at least 1m from the boundary they face. No stipulation on clear or obscured glass once the 1m rule is obeyed.

DOCARCH

For a ground floor/single storey extension, once the windows are 1m, or more, from the boundary, that's fine....glass can be clear.

You need planning permssion for any window less than 1m from the boundary (whether clear or frosted).

mickdw

It looks pretty dodgy if that window is kind of enclosed and just focusing on the neighbour with no other views from it.

Gumbo

mickdw wrote: »

It looks pretty dodgy if that window is kind of enclosed and just focusing on the neighbour with no other views from it.

Now that you mention it, reasonable expectation of privacy may be enforced here but that’s a civil issue rather than a planning.

jmBuildExt

Thanks for replies.
So its as I thought. I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss something.

Its not focused directly on the neighbour... there is a small courtyard and approx 1.5m wall on the boundary between them (thats not clear from my drawing, apologies). The window itself is about 3.5m long. What I made a slight over sight on was; since we went out level to the existing house, there is a greater elevation, so you can see over the wall a bit. And sme on their side.
Purpose of the window and courtyard was really a bit of a feature and mainly a light source for the existing house.

We just bought the place and sent the builders straight in (after I'd spent a couple of weeks gutting the place) so I'd imagine their nose is probably a bit out of joint since I haven't been there to consult with.

I obviously don't want to fall out with the neighbour. He's the one that mentioned frosting the glass to the builder, but he obviously is making assumptions about the planning exemption laws. I'll propose increasing the height of the wall between us or put some trellis on top of it - hopefully it keeps him happy.

Thanks again all..

ps. I take on board what you mention about civil issues - hopefully a civil chat will sort this one out

Gumbo

jmBuildExt wrote: »

I'll propose increasing the height of the wall between us or put some trellis on top of it - hopefully it keeps him happy.

Thanks again all..

ps. I take on board what you mention about civil issues - hopefully a civil chat will sort this one out

Be mindful of the planning limits for the rear wall (2m).

jmBuildExt

kceire wrote: »

Be mindful of the planning limits for the rear wall (2m).

Yep im aware of that one too - Thanks again.

jmBuildExt

kceire wrote: »

Be mindful of the planning limits for the rear wall (2m).

Actually, just on that point.... The wall is on the side between the 2 properties - Ive a similar situation on opposite side, but already discussed it with that neighbour.

I assume even if both sides agree to the height of the wall, you still need the planning permission if it is over the 2m ??

DOCARCH

jmBuildExt wrote: »

I assume even if both sides agree to the height of the wall, you still need the planning permission if it is over the 2m ??

Yes.

Gumbo

jmBuildExt wrote: »

Actually, just on that point.... The wall is on the side between the 2 properties - Ive a similar situation on opposite side, but already discussed it with that neighbour.

I assume even if both sides agree to the height of the wall, you still need the planning permission if it is over the 2m ??

Yes planning still required.