Opposing planning applications

upnunderupnunder Posts: 2,379
Forum Member
✭✭✭
Hi,

A neighbour of mine has applied for planning permission to build 4 houses on his land.
His land kind of wraps around the back of my garden, as well as down one side.

At the moment our garden, and the rear of our house is not overlooked at all, but if these houses go ahead, they will be able to see right into our rear windows and conservatory, which we use as our living room.

Is this a valid reason to oppose the application? We will lose a considerable amount of light, as our garden will be put in the shade from about 4pm onwards with the building of these new houses.

I have tried searching on the internet for what constitutes a valid reason to oppose planning, but have struggled to come up with much.

Has anyone had any recent experience of planning applications being opposed, or has anyone opposed any applications.

Any help appreciated.

Comments

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 5,506
    Forum Member
    That is a very common cause for refusal of planning permission ... so yes, go for it.

    Or, if you are willing to put a price on your privacy, see if he will pay you off! :)
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 548
    Forum Member
    ✭✭
    I work for a local authority. As I understand it they would class this as "loss of visual amenity". Try googling that expression, it might bring up more information for you :)
  • SystemSystem Posts: 2,096,970
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    upnunder wrote: »
    Hi,

    A neighbour of mine has applied for planning permission to build 4 houses on his land.
    His land kind of wraps around the back of my garden, as well as down one side.

    At the moment our garden, and the rear of our house is not overlooked at all, but if these houses go ahead, they will be able to see right into our rear windows and conservatory, which we use as our living room.

    Is this a valid reason to oppose the application? We will lose a considerable amount of light, as our garden will be put in the shade from about 4pm onwards with the building of these new houses.

    I have tried searching on the internet for what constitutes a valid reason to oppose planning, but have struggled to come up with much.

    Has anyone had any recent experience of planning applications being opposed, or has anyone opposed any applications.

    Any help appreciated.

    4 new houses on his land! That in itself is reason enough to object. I'd be more concerned about noise - 4 houses means possibly 20 odd new people next door (not to mention the noise involved in building 4 houses). Followed by privacy issues, and possibly ruining an unobstructed view etc. You'd be best consulting a solicitor who specialises in these matters.

    People successfully block planning permission on neighbours who want to put a standard extension on the back of their house, just for light obstruction - so I can't see you having any problem.
  • IWantPVRIWantPVR Posts: 8,302
    Forum Member
    Parking could be an issue too. All of these things are worth mentioning and your neighbour will have to respond to them all. Some will be easier than others but it sounds just plain inappropriate to plan 4 houses on a plot unless it's massive.
  • fainéantfainéant Posts: 2,654
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    Objection should be based mainly on any contravention of the Local Plan. From your location it appears that this is the relevant Local Plan: http://www.derby.gov.uk/Environment/Planning/LandUsePlanning/Adopted+City+of+Derby+Local+Plan+Review.htm

    A quick browse gives this below but there is much more to consider in the document.

    GD5 Amenity
    Planning permission will only be granted for development where it
    provides a satisfactory level of amenity within the site or building
    itself and provided it would not cause unacceptable harm to the
    amenity of nearby areas. In considering harm, the Council will
    consider the following:
    a. Loss of privacy;
    b. Overbearing (massing) effect;
    c. Loss of sunlight and daylight;
    d. Noise, vibration, smells, fumes, smoke, soot, ash, dust or
    grit;
    e. Air, water, noise and light pollution;
    f. Hazardous substances and industrial processes;
    g. Traffic generation, access and car parking.

    You should also check recent planning decisions (may be available online) to see why similar proposals have been accepted or refused. Good luck - planning is one of the most difficult and frustrating issues to deal with.
  • upnunderupnunder Posts: 2,379
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    I have managed to find a similar development nearby that has been refused, and I am copying the reasons it was refused into my letter to the council.

    They are

    • The development would result in reduced sunlight and daylight entering our garden, preventing enjoyment of our garden
    • The development will exacerbate vehicular usage of xxxxx Road during construction, and when completed.
    • The construction of the development will create noise, vibration, smells, fumes, dust and grit.
    • The development will cause a loss of visual amenity by virtue of overlooking of our property and garden. This will lead to a loss of privacy.
    • The development will harm the amenities of the neighbouring properties by virtue of its size and massing, and does not respect or enhance the surrounding area.
    • Our house and garden will be overlooked by 6 bedroom windows.
  • YosemiteYosemite Posts: 6,192
    Forum Member
    upnunder wrote: »
    At the moment our garden, and the rear of our house is not overlooked at all, but if these houses go ahead, they will be able to see right into our rear windows and conservatory, which we use as our living room.

    Is this a valid reason to oppose the application? We will lose a considerable amount of light, as our garden will be put in the shade from about 4pm onwards with the building of these new houses.

    I have tried searching on the internet for what constitutes a valid reason to oppose planning, but have struggled to come up with much.

    Loss of visual amenity (and associated invasion of privacy issues) are amongst the most common grounds for objecting to planning applications.

    If they have not already done so, the local authority will write to you as the owner of a potentially affected property inviting your comments on the application.

    See : http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en/1018892037723.html

    You have limited time to make your views known, so you would be well advised to do so as soon as possible.
  • upnunderupnunder Posts: 2,379
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    Yosemite wrote: »
    Loss of visual amenity (and associated invasion of privacy issues) are amongst the most common grounds for objecting to planning applications.

    If they have not already done so, the local authority will write to you as the owner of a potentially affected property inviting your comments on the application.

    See : http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en/1018892037723.html

    You have limited time to make your views known, so you would be well advised to do so as soon as possible.

    We have been advised, and have until the 3rd of March to lodge any objections.
Sign In or Register to comment.