Neighbours building an extension

Optimalprimerib · 21-07-2013 07:31AM #1

In last week my neighbours have started building what looks like a granny flat in their back garden to add to the two extensions they have already built. This extension is currently overshadowing my view, blocking the light coming into my garden, and the roof has not even started.

I am almost certain that they do not have planning permission but I cannot be 100% sure as I only moved in last year and the permission may have already been granted.

I am wondering what rights do I have and should I forward this to the authorities. Bear in mind, their house is end of terrace so I would be the only house affected by this. I have pics but will send them by private mail if anyone is interested

Alias G · 21-07-2013 07:33AM

If it is in their back garden, then it is possibly planning exempt.

Optimalprimerib · 21-07-2013 08:10AM

Alias G wrote: »

If it is in their back garden, then it is possibly planning exempt.

It is in their back garden but is there not a restriction on actual size? Also the fact that they have 2 other extensions would the sum total of the extensions be over the limit? I am 100% certain that if I do contest this I will have a neighbours from hell scenario but surely they cannot do this. The garden itself is a typical housing estate garden and as a middle terraced house it doesnt get a whole lot of sunlight as it is. That is only an aesthetic detail but this eyesore will seriously effect the resale value and actusl chances to sell if it ever came to that.

Alias G · 21-07-2013 08:15AM

Details of some of the conditions for planning exempt extensions are given in this link.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/planning_permission/planning_perm_altering_a_house.html

You should be able to check with your local council whether or not they have obtained planning for any of their work.

Optimalprimerib · 21-07-2013 12:00PM

Thanks for that. I am pretty sure it is illegal. Now I need to decide whether to grin or bear it or file a complaint. As I love the area I am in, filing a complaint could make my life a misery and may force me to resell.

Poor Uncle Tom · 21-07-2013 04:43PM

I believe you have a duty to protect your property, that includes the value of your property. If you feel that any works your neighbour is carrying out affects your property, you need to address this.

You could get a good local Architect/Arch Tech/Engineer to do a report on the situation and submit that to the Local Authority. You would only be protecting your own property.

Aard · 21-07-2013 04:56PM

As far as I know a complaint can be made to the enforcement office of the planning authority, and your name won't be released to the person carrying out unauthorised development. Is this correct, Poor Uncle Tom? If so it could save you getting into a feud with your neighbour.

Poor Uncle Tom · 21-07-2013 06:01PM

Local Authorities vary in how they deal with complaints. I know of some where you must fill out forms and they won't be accepted without being signed. Others will act on anonymous tip offs. Some others do absolutely nothing.

That's why I suggested getting a report, at least you can establish exactly what part of the Planning and Development Act is being abused/ignored/broken and when presented to the LA they will be forced to act.

coathanger · 21-07-2013 09:01PM

Checking your local authority/county council website, the planning section,& search under the house owners name & address, you will see the planning applications for all extensions at that address, then you have the option to contact the council & make them aware of the new development & let them come out & inspect it,its not for you to know whether they should have to apply for PP or not,thats the councils job. Best of luck & let us know how you get on.

Poor Uncle Tom · 21-07-2013 09:43PM

coathanger wrote: »

its not for you to know whether they should have to apply for PP or not,thats the councils job.

It's always best to be pro-active in a case like this, informing the council and sitting back is like washing your hands of the situation and may not be the best course of action for your property.

If an unauthorised development was constructed on your neighbours property which devalued your premises. Your neighbours have the option of making an application for planning permission to retain the unauthorised works and appealing any subsequent refusal and then applying to slightly modify the edifice and retain it and appeal that, etc., etc., ad-infinitum, where does that leave you if you want to sell your property in the mean time?

2012paddy2012 · 21-07-2013 10:22PM

Optimalprimerib wrote: »

Thanks for that. I am pretty sure it is illegal. Now I need to decide whether to grin or bear it or file a complaint. As I love the area I am in, filing a complaint could make my life a misery and may force me to resell.

Your worry is wasted . Make a complaint anonymously ... Planning inspectors will be delighted. If it gets legal with appeals Etc ...and you don't object now you could be stuck looking at an illegal structure for years

Gumbo · 22-07-2013 03:09PM

2012paddy2012 wrote: »

Your worry is wasted . Make a complaint anonymously ... Planning inspectors will be delighted. If it gets legal with appeals Etc ...and you don't object now you could be stuck looking at an illegal structure for years

You have to provide a name and address to DCC when making a formal complaint and it must be in writing/email/fax IIRC.

They won't release your details to the owner of the property or any third party.

OP, if you feel it's unauthorised, then make the complaint sooner rather than later, for your own sake.

Neighbours building an extension

Comments