Keeping in with the Neighbours

Author: Chris Hogan

Keeping in with the neighbours can be critical to any home extension and it's well worth putting some effort into it. This was touched on in our article about Obtaining Planning Permission, in that you don't want your neighbours to find out about your plans when the little notices go up on the lampposts and fences near their homes.

Take Neighbours Into Consideration

Even if the neighbours wouldn't really have had anything to say about the development of your property, in terms of it's style and situation, then the fact that you didn't tell them first might well make them sit up and take a lot more notice than they otherwise would have. You don't have to ask their permission, just have a casual chat with them and mention the work you'll be doing, answer their questions, and gauge their reaction to see if you're likely to have a problem.

Neighbours have a right to prevent you from doing work on your property that will adversely affect their living conditions. Talking their light is one thing that will almost certainly result in a planning permission refusal, so look at how close your neighbours are and where their windows are. If your building will block light getting to their property, resulting in significantly less light reaching their windows, then you will very likely have to reconsider your plans.

Planning Permission Checker

Tell us about your planned extension and find out whether you need planning permission or can build under permitted development.

Try our Planning Permission Checker free, here on this site →

Access and Party Walls

Another area where you should take care is if your work will affect a neighbour's access to their home or land. As with most things, this isn't forbidden, its perfectly all right if your neighbours agree to the change and get access that's as good, if not better, after you've finished your work. It's the getting permission that's the tough bit, and obviously you will have to pay for any work necessary to affect that new access.

Party walls, i.e. walls that sit on the boundary line and are therefore owned or used by more than one neighbour, are covered by a separate act, the Party Wall Act of 1996, which was put in force to clarify the processes and procedures to follow when trying to make changes to such a wall. It is essential that any works that might affect a party wall are discussed with the other owners and agreed in writing, and you must start this process at least two months before you intend to start work. The Act also requires those other neighbours not to be unduly obstructive, but it can be difficult to know where the dividing line is between a genuine, if perhaps petty, objection, and being unduly obstructive.

Once you have applied for planning permission the council will put notices up in the area of your house to let people know of the work that is proposed, and your plans must be on display a the local planning office for any neighbours to look at. If neighbours object, then it doesn't necessarily mean that permission will be refused, but the planners will take their views into consideration.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Keep Lines of Communication Open

Once you have planning permission, the dialogue shouldn't stop there. Your builders or other contractors may need access via a neighbour's house or garden, for example, so make sure you agree that up front and see any damage is made good. Let people know what's happening as the work progresses, such as times and dates when heavy equipment or suppliers' lorries are expected, so that neighbours can make sure they don't get blocked in.

Consider buying presents for people who are inconvenienced by contractors' vehicles over the period of the build. In the context of an extension budget, an extra hundred quid or so on nice wine or chocolates for the neighbours isn't a big item, and it may turn out to be a spend that's worth it's weight in gold

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Planning Permission Checker lets you tell us about your planned extension and find out whether you need planning permission or can build under permitted development. Try it now →

91 questions

Ask Extension Build a Question

Baileu 26/08/2021 at 6:25 pm

My upstairs neighbour is thinking of converting her side bedroom window into french doors and attaching a narrow staircase to it so she has easier access to her part of the garden that backs mine. Currently (we both own) she has to come out of the main front door, walk down the side passage open the back gate into our shared side return and then access her garden vianits onw gate next to mine. Would it devalue my property resecurity/privacy? It would mean attaching the staircase to a party wall (it would not obscure light as i dont have a window that side). However it is in a conservation area and the victorian build is i believe listed. She could perhaps get round it by saying health and safety requires she has a fire escape however its been over 17 yrs we have been neighbours and i dont think wandsworth council the freeholders would agree otherwise they would have put it in when they originally converted the house into 2 flats to sell off. We both bought what was originally a shared garden off the freeholder and divided it as reflected in the deeds into 2.

All Trades 22/11/2020 at 12:53 pm

I live in an Edwardian mid-terrace with typical L shape footprint with a long, narrow kitchen that faces my neighbour's kitchen. In fact, our kitchen windows face each other directly so we always wave when doing the washing up!
If they were to do a side return extension then I would be looking at a solid brick wall so my question is equally - how do I add my side return extension without annoying them? The obvious solution would be for each of us to do the side return extension (perhaps even at the same time?) but my main point is do I need planning permission or my neighbour's consent because am I blocking their light?

Andy 26/02/2020 at 11:16 am

Hi, I'd appreciate your advice - a very helpful article indeed. I've recently purchased a house with a building plot, on a cul-de-sac of semi detached houses, on my plot, I'd like to get planning for a pair of semis, with parking around the back. Currently, the driveway for the plot goes down the left side and to the back, I plan on keeping this the same (and obviously I own the house to the right). To the left, there is a detached bungalow (only one on the street) which was build fifteen or so years ago, although my build would still be 3 metres away from their bungalow and set back so it doesn't block light out, I don't want to fall out with them, as they're a sweet old couple. Do you think my architect would deal with the neighbours during the planning stages or should I hire a project manager to deal with this? Do you think there is such a need for lengthy conversations with the neighbours, as it shouldn't affect them too much?

Pebs 17/02/2020 at 1:47 pm

We received no notice from planning of our neighbours building plans we live in a very old timber framed semi we've tried to be fair about every thing and explained to both owner and builder the frailties of the walls but the final straw is the changing position of their stair case which has been moved from the outside wall of the house to the party wall side and its obvious this will mean a lot more stress on what is the only brick wall in the plus a lot more noise coming through to us maybe to late to do anything about and as my neighbours mum has just died it's a very difficult time but I really feel planning has a lot to answer for.

Pidd 28/10/2019 at 2:03 pm

We live in an end terrace house.
The garden of one of our neighbours from an adjacent road, backs onto our end terrace wall.
This wall is in serious need of rendering and pointing as is causing damp in our house.
The neighbour is refusing us access to carry out the repairs, despite us confirming that we would pay for them to have a new shed and pay for storage of anything that is inside.
What can we do next?

MrsF 14/08/2019 at 10:52 am

Hi,
We are linked detached with our neighbours and having a 1 storey ground extension.

We need a new garage roof as part of the build and as we are linked by garage, we have agreed to pay for the neighbours to have a new garage roof as well.

The neighbours have agreed and are very happy at the prospect of a new roof and also the non the cost associated with it.

Do we need to get the neighbours to sign anything?

Jan 01/07/2019 at 4:40 pm

Help. After having problems with a very difficult neighbour I put a very polite letter in door asking her to remove a greenhouse and other bits and pieces away from my garage wall. She put letter back in door then a piece of paper saying your behaviour is disgusting leave me alone. How do i get her to move stuff. Garage now has a crack and getting damp.

crabby 11/05/2019 at 7:59 pm

my neighbour has started their single story extension, but they have extended the wall near my boundaries and it was not on the originally drawing plans. the wall they have build by my boundaries and has effected my wright to light. what can i do

Badger 17/10/2018 at 5:23 pm

I’m in a Victoria semi. Neighbour has applied to build HUGE First Floor (with access from upstairs bedroom) Balcony/Terrace the full length of the back of the home, stopping at the start of my property.
It would be 9 feet deep, and basically be a viewing platform into my entire garden and bathroom. We would enjoy no privacy whatsoever. Currently we have a large fence that separates gardens and gives us both privacy.
What grounds can I use to object.
Incidentally the neighbours are all objecting..
thank you - stressed.

Broady 20/08/2018 at 4:30 pm

My neighbour has had a porch built and we were going to do the same and with the neighbours permission, join the porches. Someone has told us that this isn’t legal. Is that true?

ExtensionBuild Editor 08/08/2018 at 2:38 pm

There's not usually a requirement of windows with obscure glass in these situations to be non-opening. In fact, there's often a requirement for them to open as an escape route if necessary. You could grow something tall, or erect a freestanding trellis there?

NewishOwner 07/08/2018 at 1:55 pm

We have a small detached property with a side return - one wall of which is our neighbours house. They built a single storey extension about 6 years ago - before we bought the property (we've been there just over 3.5 years). The windows on their new extension include full length bifold doors, two skylights (all of which are fine) and two windows that lead onto our side return/garden. These are above 1.7m high, about 1 m in length and 50cm high, obscure-glazed windows. Every summer our neighbour leaves the window that opens directly onto our garden open for weeks at a time. I don't believe they put these windows in for light as they have other means of getting that with their skylights etc. it seems to be for air/ventilation. My question is: are these windows legal? And can we ask them to change them to non-opening ones?

CR 20/07/2018 at 8:11 pm

What if part of your driveway is adopted, and your neighbour takes advantage of this by putting a storage garage (can't fit a car) on their land, but needing access to this garage by using your driveway. The garage is on our boundary as well, and it does not have a flat roof. I want to change my driveway, and enclose my front garden, ultimately 'stopping up' the adopted part of my driveway. Can my neighbour's challenge this. There garage has been there less than ten years. Also, the reason why part of my driveway is adopted is due to having Public Water Sewer access, which I believe can be moved at my expense. What are some other issues I should worry about or anticipate? Thank you!

ExtensionBuild Editor 15/06/2018 at 3:14 pm

You will need to get this resolved via arbitration or a solicitor as you don't know whether your neighbours had an agreement with the previous owners for the overhang etc.

Si 15/06/2018 at 8:00 am

We have plans approved for a single storey rear extension to our semi detached home. Our neighbours have already extended their home some years ago (before we moved in) and built right up to the boundary. Their flat roof/fascia overhangs the boundary by a few inches so we can't build tight to the boundary without altering this. They have said they won't sign a party wall agreement unless we guarantee not to touch their flat roof, which means we have to leave a silly gap between the extensions and build several several inches back onto our land. Where do I stand legally on forcing them to remove the overhang so we can build tight to the boundary? I don't see why we should be penalised just because they built their extension first! We haven't got surveyors involved yet but I'm wondering if there's any point...0

ExtensionBuild Editor 11/04/2018 at 10:33 am

Your neighbour (or anyone else) cannot attach anything to your property...it's criminal damage and you can take action in the civil courts.

Daggie 08/04/2018 at 6:01 pm

My neighbour has built a garage right next to my garage therefore now making my property link detached. I cannot maintain my garage at all. Further they have a bedroom window which looks directly into my lounge obviously lacking privacy. Further than that the have a large extension on the rear of the house. My Council Tax is for a detached property which obviously it is no longer. Please can you advise. I did put an objection into the Council but was told I could only do this once and my neighbour could apply as many times as the wished.

ExtensionBuild Editor 14/11/2017 at 12:10 pm

The planning department will consult neighbours in the vicinity, but an objection doesn't always mean consent will withheld. Talk to your planning officer before making an application, they will happily provide you with general details of what may or may not be considered acceptable (although of course they won't be able to state categorically whether consent will be given/refused)

HerneHillHelp 12/11/2017 at 4:23 pm

Hello, I would be grateful for you advice. I am a leaseholder in a ground floor flat with one flat above. The leaseholder has agreed, in principle, that I can build a Orangery/SunRoom extension to the back of my property - with at least some glazed roof. The upstairs neighbours have a small balcony which will hang over (a few centimeters above) some of the roof of the extension. I know I need Planning Permission, but before I move forward and develop plans, I want to understand whether their balcony might give them or the Council more of a reason to object to or decline planning permission.Thanks so much, in advance.

ExtensionBuild Editor 06/11/2017 at 10:56 am

Assuming you own the property (i.e your downstairs neighbour isn't actually your landlord), your neighbour doesn't have any rights to come and inspect what you've done. As she lives in the same building, it's understandable if she's concerned about any structural work you've done. You almost certainly need planning permission to put in a new window (where there wasn't one originally) and possibly also to put a staircase into your loft. You will definitely need building regulations approval for both types of work.

DarinaNikolov 03/11/2017 at 10:01 pm

Hi. We live in first floor flat and we have built a window on the loft and internal staircase but we havent got plan permission for it as its not gonna be a bedroom but just extra space. My neighbour from ground floor is complaining that we didnt ask her about the window and staircases and had complain in the council and said she will come to check over as it wasnt safety enough for her. My question is...What rights she has to have an acces to my flat? Do i need permission to have staircase to the loft?

wao1 10/10/2017 at 5:11 pm

Hi We are having neighbours taking pictures of our loft conversion and being generally disruptive. Party wall agreement has been signed off all above board they have also sent over building regs as well who didnt have any complaint.

what can we do to stop this behaviour?

ExtensionBuild Editor 03/10/2017 at 10:45 am

Have you talked to them about it? They may not realise that it is an issue.

brommo 30/09/2017 at 6:07 pm

recently builders have renovated and built a extension to next door, the problem is that at the back of the house they have put concrete slabs on top of the party wall, they are now over hanging onto my side of the party wall, also it will be obstructing me being able to put up a new back door post.

ExtensionBuild Editor 29/09/2017 at 2:21 pm

Contact the planning department - sometimes they are willing to impose conidtions (such as frosting/opaque windows) in the case of side elevations.

Carol 27/09/2017 at 10:15 pm

I live in a detached house as does my neighbour. Their house is lightly higher on the site and stepped forward. They have just closed a small toilet window which they had on their side wall and which we could not see because it was midway on the wall along their side passage. They have now opened a new window right at the front end of their side wall as they are moving kitchen to the front and it looks directly onto our front drive and into our sitting room. What can we do ?

Keda 16/09/2017 at 7:24 pm

Hi, I need your word of advice. Our neighbour is thinking of installing solar panels on her garage roof. We wouldn't mind if it was as the roof is now - it is a sloping roof, sloping towards her driveway and towards other neighbours on the opposite side. because of a better sun exposure she wants to change the roof - raise it on the sides where the slopes are now and lower it on the side that overlooks us and her home on the opposite side. she wants to instal the panels on the slope that would overlook us. Her garage is in our border and we have enjoyed the bit of privacy that the taller garage wall creates. We do not wish to be looking at her solar panels from our kitchen, dining room, playroom and even more so from our garden. Would she need a building permit to change the roofline on her garage that is adjacent to the wall (or is actually part of the wall itself) between our properties. Would it matter that she would immensely affect our view from the back of the house? I would appreciate any information you may have. Kind regards, Keda

James 26/08/2017 at 11:25 am

Hi, we have an end of terrace house (block of 4) and are looking to build an extension at the back, there is however a right of access for the next property (e.g. They have a gate in to our garden to allow access to the road). My question is would we still be able to build the extension if there is still a conveluted route to the outside road through our garden?. The neighbours have never used this route but not to say new neighbours may. Thanks

ExtensionBuild Editor 22/08/2017 at 2:12 pm

Firstly yes, this could change the "status" of the house. Secondly, your neighbour should not attach anything they build to your property (e.g your garage). Thirdly you would need to speak to your local planning department about any potential extension.

Debsatwitsend 20/08/2017 at 6:46 pm

Hi,
My neighbours have built a porch on their detached property. The side wall, with window, encroaches onto my driveway by a couple of inches. The end wall of the porch joins onto the front wall of my garage.
I have two queries - now the porch of their detached house is joined to my garage, does that mean the status of their house is now semi- detached ?
Also, I now wish to extend my home by the width of my driveway / garage to the boundary, which would mean 'meeting' their porch - would this be allowed as ' technically' their porch is on my property ?
Thanks in advance for any guidance ??

ExtensionBuild Editor 20/06/2017 at 11:49 am

Check your deeds to make sure there are no conditions relating to this. It would probably be unfair to block all light from your neighbour's window but planting some selective bushes a few feet away might be acceptable

Rache3014 18/06/2017 at 12:16 pm

I live in a detached converter house. I own the upstairs flat. The garden at the rear is split in two. My neighbours downstairs bedroom window overlooks my garden. Can I put anything in front of the window to stop them being able to look into my garden?

ExtensionBuild Editor 04/05/2017 at 2:20 pm

If you object to work taking place on a party wall and the neighbour refuses to stop, you will have to consider legal action.

Kitkat 03/05/2017 at 10:57 pm

Neighbours are building extension and we are link detached , no party wall agreements and no info forthcoming and cannot get any help on our rights anywhere also heavy machinery and building work bank hols and until 8 at night .

Chez 18/04/2017 at 7:53 pm

Hi im a council tentant
.my neighbour as bought his council property ..and has just built a brick conservatory with one window and a door ..3.4 metres high .it has taken half of his garden in width..so looking from my patio window im blocked in..with 8inche gap from my patio window..also without planning permission.

Mrsl 13/03/2017 at 5:10 pm

I live on the top floor of a 2 up 2 down victorian flat in Scotland. I have spoken to a solicitor who confirmed as deeds are silent on the ownership of the loft space the Tenement Act steps in and grants ownership to the top floor flats. I have 2 children and can't afford to move so would like to convert the loft to add another bedroom. My solicitor hasn't been useful to be honest. Am I right in thinking I just need to get permission from the other owners to put velux windows in the roof which we have mutual liability for? I am alright on the building regs etc it's just the legal side I am stuck on and I'm scared to do anything further until I get this part sorted. Do I just write to the neighbours and ask them if they object? I wrote to them with my intentions around 4 months ago to inform them of my plans and asking if there was any objection to me converting the loft but haven't heard back (they are rented out so I don't see the actual owners to ask them) I didn't specifically ask about installing windows so am not sure if I need to ask this specifically.

Thanks for any help you can offer

Question 21/01/2017 at 3:54 pm

Hi,
I live on a ground floor conversion victorian flat.
The neighbor downstairs in the basement said he is looking to add a room as an extension intto his garden. I have asked him for the plans as I am interested in extending on top of him, so that I will have more space when I get married with the kids, but the neighbor is refusing to show the plans, and is saying he is doing the extension as a glass ceiling to allow more light into his property, so I will not be able to construct on top of his extension
Is there a way from building control to enforce on the neighbor to at least make the room not as glass ceiling ?
What would you advise I do in this case?
Thank you

ExtensionBuild Editor 05/01/2017 at 10:42 am

It's unlikely that this will be affected by any planning issues and it doesn't sound like a party wall issue especially if the neighbour has built right up to their side of the boundary already and you are leaving a 30cm gap (do make sure you have allowed for future external maintenance). Check with your planning department as two storey side extensions do not normally fall under permitted development.

dmod83 04/01/2017 at 7:52 am

We are looking into purchasing a property with the intent of building a 2 storey side extension, built up to within 300mm of the boundary with the neighbours. The property is a modern semi detached property, and there will be no side windows on the extension however the neighbours property ground level is approx 300mm higher, and they have a side lean to conservatory which is built right up to the boundary. Their conservatory has obscure glass on our side, but will this present any issues when we submit our planning application? Are there any restrictions in place for building up to a conservatory? Does this fall under 'Right to Light' or 'Party Wall' acts?

Jenjenjen 09/11/2016 at 9:52 pm

We are buying a semi detached house and the neighbour has extended with a two storey extension right up along the boundary. The guttering overhangs our land. We are buying the house with a view to building a two storey extension. Can we also build to the boundary or are we obliged to leave a gap? Would the potential gap have to be a set size and therefore disproportionately affect our plans as in, we need to allow all the gap because next door have left none rather than share the gap? I've heard about a terracing effect that councils may not allow.

Feel threatened 05/10/2016 at 3:20 pm

Our house was extended before we bought it and the extention is built partly over access land. There is still a path at the side that gives access to the wall that is now between the properties.The access was only because there were originally two outside loos at the end of the neighbour's patio and it was to access these. These are no longer there. However, the neighbour keeps threatening that she could make us put a door in our kitchen as she has a right to walk through it. Is this correct please?

ExtensionBuild Editor 30/09/2016 at 2:36 pm

As it's a two storey extension we assume planning permission was sought and your objections noted? Please contact your planning department if you think the building or its location are not following the specified plans.

Bee 30/09/2016 at 10:08 am

Our neighbours are building a 2 storey extension that is not attached to the party wall but comes close. We have a overhanging roof which is part of the design of the terrace of swiss chalet style houses. The new wall will pass the edge of our roof so close that it will make it impossible for us to carry out maintenance to our roof at that point, what can we do? The building work has started and the wall is closer that it should be by 2 inches.

ExtensionBuild Editor 08/08/2016 at 11:21 am

It might be referred to as link detached after the work takes place, rather than semi-detached, but even so, this has changed the nature of your home. Planning permsisions may not be required (although permission is need if the extension is located within 2m of the property boundary and the height of the eaves of the extension/conservatory exceeds 3m) but it's likely that you should have been served with a party wall notice before proceeding. Call your planning department to check about this, if it's not a planning issue, you may have to take legal action.

Wriggley 07/08/2016 at 4:24 pm

My neighbours informed us they were building an orangery/conservatory of which building has now started. The properties are detached, but we share a driveway which leads to a shared detached garage. The new wall they are building attaches to their side of the garage and will mean the roof line will have to be altered. It also means that the garages are now no longer detached as it joins their house. Is this allowed without planning permission as they have changed the nature of the garage block of which we own half? Also if we were to do something similar it would mean the houses become semi-detached!

lil 24/07/2016 at 10:00 am

Our neighbours are planning single storey extension into their garden.they are detached but only half a metre from our south facing kitchen Windows which will be completely blocked by their new wall I have spoken to the council and their plan is under permitted development. Is their anything we can do? Our house is an Edwardian semi.

Pj 29/05/2016 at 3:08 am

I live in a semi detached home with a mutual drive and a semi detached garage which I share with my neighbor on the other side. That house was just bought by a builder. He plans to put a 10ft addition on the back of the house and apparently in order to do that he plans to cut his half of the semi detached garage off.
It's going to look rediculous! I wanted to know what my rights are?
Thanks

ExtensionBuild Editor 06/05/2016 at 12:36 pm

They should not attach anything to your walls without your consent. If you're in a detached property your neighbours would also be changing the nature of the property by attaching something to it.

meg 04/05/2016 at 5:05 pm

next door are building a garage next to our extension. They have attached the front bricks to our wall. they told me they were going to build a garage but that the only thing that would be on our wall would be a guttering but this is not the case. I am worried that our wall if its part of their garage it will get thing hanging on our wall. what can we do about this. I am hoping to talk to them this evening.

unhappy 10/04/2016 at 4:07 pm

We have just received a notice of a planning application for a two story side extension to a neighbours house with a single story back extension. Our property is semi detached with another property. The property to be extended is on slightly higher ground than ours. The extension will be about 3 metres from our property and will significantly reduce the light in about half our windows.

Nina 09/04/2016 at 5:25 am

Helli, i wonder if you will be able to help me. Our neighbour refuse to sign a party wall agreement as she worries that our loft extension will block the sun going to her roof. She had solar panels instoled 6 months ago and she worries that the loft will affect the efficency of hef panels.

JoeyTY 03/03/2016 at 6:45 pm

We are wanting to build onto the flat roof off our first floor kitchen. we would need to build next to our neighbours extension which has an obscured glass window on the side wall ie where we would like a solid wall. Their window technically overlooks our property- where do we stand?

ExtensionBuild Editor 29/02/2016 at 2:19 pm

If you share/ask your neighbours and they agree then it should not be necessary if you're sure they will not raise objections once the work has started.

alecialondon 26/02/2016 at 7:28 pm

Hi there - what a useful article! I was wondering if you could help with our query...?

We have a party wall agreement with our neighbours (we are mid terrace) for an extension which we have just started. However we have just been advised by the builder to change the foundations from solid concrete to suspended concrete (beam and block) which will mean we need to insert beams into the party wall. The agreement we have in place also covers the construction of a loft (which obviously involves new beams supported in the party wall).

Do we need to get a new agreement, or will the existing one suffice if we share the new plans with our neighbours?

Thanks in advance!

ExtensionBuild Editor 22/02/2016 at 2:10 pm

If it's on the neighbour's own property and complies with permitted development rules then you may not have much of case. Speak with your local planning officer.

sammy 19/02/2016 at 7:37 pm

My neighbour is thinking of erecting a temporary building on the side of his property, at the front of his house. This will extend across to our garage which has just recently had a obscure window put in on that side to gain daylight. Do I have rights to stop him building so close or at all .. Any advice what I can do please.... Thanks

ExtensionBuild Editor 16/02/2016 at 11:06 am

It doesn't sound as though this would be classed as detached unless you actually remove one of the garages. Check with your neighbour and your planning department to investigate any options.

Bainster 13/02/2016 at 7:40 am

I own a link-detached house (where our garage joins the neighbours garage)

Is it possible to convert our house to a "full" detached house some how?

(e.g can I build a secondary wall inside our garage, which therefore creates a gap/cavity between this new wall and the originally linked-garage wall making them "detached"?) so in effect "giving" the neighbour our linked-garage wall so theirs is detached too?

Thanks

ExtensionBuild Editor 02/02/2016 at 11:17 am

The main issues they might have will be to do with light and privacy. It would be handy if you had ready solutions to these issues planned in advance. It's good that you want to talk to them and hopefully involving them in the decision will make them more amenable.

Kevin 31/01/2016 at 4:39 pm

Hello, We are thinking of having an extension over our garage to extend the box bedroom to give our growing daughter some more room as we have a new build house and cannot convert the loft. We are detached and the wondered what issues we might face with our neighbour over light etc? The only window in their side wall is a small window which gives light to the stairs they have so not a habitable room. We are going to have a conversation with them but wondered if there is any advice anyone couldgive us? Thank You.

Infoseeking 03/12/2015 at 7:40 pm

We have planning permission for an extension on our detached property. Our neighbour instructed a party wall surveyor to act on his behalf. He has a conservatory on his property. Our foundations are the same as our existing house and his house as they were built at the same time. We will be building within 3 meters of their property. Are we subject to the party wall act?

ExtensionBuild Editor 13/11/2015 at 11:04 am

There are restrictions on building of balconies for this reason. Hopefully you have already registered your objections via post or email. If not, do so now. If you are given the opportunity to speak, simply state your case calmly.

Chwhite 11/11/2015 at 7:16 pm

My next door neighbours are trying to build an extension with a flat roof to sit on that will mean they can look directly into my daughters bedroom window. This will mean that when they sit on it they will be able to watch my 16yr old daughter changing. This is definitely not appropriate. They are not even a meter away from the building they would be building it about 10cm from the window. So if she even opens her window she could hit them on their chairs. The planning meeting is tonight! What do I say? No one is helping

ExtensionBuild Editor 05/11/2015 at 10:44 am

Unfortunately, if the requisite planning and building regs permissions have be sought and approved, there is not much you can do. It may be worth a consultation with a solicitor (the first half hour is often free), or you could try posting the question on a site like Just answer for a cheaper option

Verystressed 04/11/2015 at 2:55 pm

Would a good no fee no win lawyer be able to help in respect of poor planning decisions maybe? We live in an detached small bungalow, the neighbouring property was also a bungalow until early this year. The new owner/developer put in for planning permission (contentious design making it into a dormer 5bed house with rear windows that look right into our kitchen directly and most of the rear garden) we went through all the objection processes, 2nd designs were submitted because the developer built a garage without it being put on any design and forward of the building line. The permissions were granted with frosted and fixed windows on two of the three rear windows. However, this building was always at an angle to us and currently as it develops it is roughly at 45°acute angle, all of rear windows are now so close, everything is towering over us. The boundary hedge belongs to us and is at 5ft. The owner and his obnoxious partner/wife? have never spoken to us and walk around the scaffolding and stand and glare into our kitchen as they discuss things with the workmen onsite. There is no one to complain to unless they violate the window issue and they probably will because of the arrogance of the individual. I have to find some sort of high enough screening to stop what I see when I open my kitchen blind! We are retired pensioners living a quiet life until now, this has destroyed my sanctuary and now have to find money to screen off this monstrous big ugly intrusive building. Any advice would be grateful. Thanks.

very fed up! 24/10/2015 at 2:39 pm

Our neighbour has a large partly built extension dating from 11 years ago. It is an eyesore. What if anything are our rights? To add insult to injury he is a builder!

Very stressed 24/10/2015 at 12:01 pm

We live in an detached small bungalow, the neighbouring property was also a bungalow until early this year. The new owner/developer put in for planning permission (contentious design making it into a dormer 5bed house with rear windows that look right into our kitchen directly and most of the rear garden) we went through all the objection processes, 2nd designs were submitted because the developer built a garage without it being put on any design and forward of the building line. The permissions were granted with frosted and fixed windows on two of the three rear windows. However, this building was always at an angle to us and currently as it develops it is roughly at 45°acute angle, all of rear windows are now so close, everything is towering over us. The boundary hedge belongs to us and is at 5ft. The owner and his obnoxious partner/wife? have never spoken to us and walk around the scaffolding and stand and glare into our kitchen as they discuss things with the workmen onsite. There is no one to complain to unless they violate the window issue and they probably will because of the arrogance of the individual. I have to find some sort of high enough screening to stop what I see when I open my kitchen blind! We are retired pensioners living a quiet life until now, this has destroyed my sanctuary and now have to find money to screen off this monstrous big ugly intrusive building. Any advice would be grateful. Thanks.

ExtensionBuild Editor 07/10/2015 at 1:53 pm

It really depends on who the fence belongs to. If it is your neighbour's fence then they can do what they like with it. There is no obligation for a property owner to fence in their land unless there are livestock to be kept in or local planning laws or covenants dictate that they must.

Smartie 04/10/2015 at 8:52 am

My neighbour has ripped the hedge away that divided the front gardens/drive and have not put a fence/wall back. I have asked 4 times now but still nothing. My drive is a massive open space so that they can get more vehicles on there front. His car door opens onto my drive. What are my rights.

ExtensionBuild Editor 17/08/2015 at 2:24 pm

Have you discussed other options with the neighbour? Is replacing the felt without attaching it to his garage an option? You've not really made that clear so it's difficult to comment.

Dave 17/08/2015 at 10:05 am

I have a flat roof extension built 25+ years ago right up to my boundary adjacent to next doors garage which is also built right up to boundary with minimal gap between walls. The felt of my flat roof curls upaand is attached to his garage so that the gap between is sealed. He now says I cannot replace it as he wants to show the house is not link detached. Can he do this?

ExtensionBuild Editor 07/08/2015 at 10:08 am

If the extension falls within permitted development limits, generally "side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house" then your neighbour would not have needed planning permission - so you would not normally have been consulted. If planning permission was required (i.e if the extension is larger), then as a neighbour, you should have been consulted. Check with your local planning office just to be sure.

marg 06/08/2015 at 3:29 pm

A neighbour has built brick extension side of the house so when I look out of my bedroom window or kitchen window all I can see is wal and the lenght of extension is that long the kitchen window is down by back fence of house at bottom of garden is this legal

ExtensionBuild Editor 06/08/2015 at 2:07 pm

Unfortunately as you say... since you have given your agreement there's not much that can be done about it. Your biggest hope is that there are issues with building control or planning that could be highlighted when the neighbour comes to sell. It might be worth seeking the opinion of a solicitor on this.

lisa 06/08/2015 at 12:38 pm

seven years ago we did a double extension on the side of our property. Full planning, double wall built inside our boundary to take second story. Our neighbours rushed to do the same but got retrospective planning and basically built a wood construction on top of his garage, to be used as a sewing room. Whilst in the middle of our work he asked if he could join his roof to my wall. I am a very trusting person and assumed it was to stop any debris falling between the extensions. He at no time showed me plans although we showed him everything and we did nothing in writing. After everything was finished he asked me in to see it and he was using the whole length of our extension wall, not only that his room is bigger as he didn't allow for the boundary. I felt angry at the time but thought what's done is done and as they were old I didn't want to be nasty. Recently he is becoming argumentative and I'm just checking to see if 1, I have any power to make him come off our wall and 2, if he moves or dies can the next people use it as a bedroom. By using our wall he has also made us a mid link when we were a semi.
Any advice would be appreciated.

ExtensionBuild Editor 25/06/2015 at 11:49 am

@mac. Can you contact the phone company and ask them to be moved? It may constitute trespass if you really want to take serious action but a simple reminder to your neighbour should do the trick.

mac 21/06/2015 at 2:49 pm

My neighbour had extension built on back of property. The builder brought telephone cable over my property roof. At time my neighbour said it was a temp measure .A year has passed and nothing changed. Although this is not a problem for me it is however creating a toilet for birds and my property is a mess with bird droppings. What are my rights if any.

ExtensionBuild Editor 21/05/2015 at 2:49 pm

@moaner. There are some regulations about the height and proximity to the boundary in respect of outbuildings. Check with your local planning office to see check. There may also be local regulations in place too. Here are the general rules.

moaner 19/05/2015 at 3:59 pm

Hi , my neighbour has put a wooden sun house right in front of my kitchen window blocking my light , I am tearing my hair out and no one seems to help, it does not need planning permission , it is 3 foot from my window , we do have a fence , but it is just inches from her side , it is very high , I have asked her to remove it she won't , what can I do please some one tell me the law and what I can do , if not I will have to sell the house

wsanderson 12/04/2015 at 12:37 pm

I don't know if this the right forum for this query but here goes...
My next door neighbour and I share a communal passageway. Above the passageway is one of his rooms. He has put boarding up in the roof of the passage.
He has also put up a wooden joist across the boarding which goes into his brickwork at the side of the passageway and also goes into my brickwork on my property. He has done this without speaking to me beforehand. It is not flush with my brickwork and there seems to be a gap. It is a bodged job really.
Am I within my rights to tell him to remove the joist?
We live in the UK.

ExtensionBuild Editor 10/12/2014 at 11:15 am

@GrahamDorey. Did the previous neighbour agree to anything in writing? Was anything added to their deeds etc? If this were part of a development, then the deeds may have provided for a right for the gutters to overhang, however as it's an extension and has only been there 12 years this is not the case. Twelve years is possibly not sufficient to have become a 'granted right' - which is usually for those which have been in place for more than 20 years. Your new neighbours may be able to insist on their removal as they have no right to be there and constitute trespass...a court does have the power to order their removal - but may consider this trivial.

Grahame Dorey 09/12/2014 at 8:35 pm

I built my extension 12 years ago and built it on the outer side of the party wall line meaning my gutters overhang next doors airspace. My neighbour was fine with that at the time but onfortunatley she has recently died, the new neighbours surveyour has picked up on this is there anything they can do

melv 04/09/2014 at 8:20 pm

our niegbour is building an extention i thought and was led to believe it was to be like my other niegbours ,which has a flat roof,when i asked the planning inspector he raised his hand a foot higher than his head,fine i thought. it is now 2 n half foot above my head and now i m told theres another 2 mtr high roof to go up,this will mean our sun will be lost at about 5 oclock and i will get less light in my conservatory,i am gutted, any advice i signed the planning letter because i thaught it was going to be a flat roof

Jane 28/05/2014 at 7:08 pm

my neighbour is building an extension against my conservatory which is the boundary line at the top of my conservatory wall are 15 small windows, The have been granted planning permission. The are only building 5cm away from my building and so my windows will be totally blocked in and i will not have any access to repair. The only way for them to build their extension so close is for me to have my windows removed and blocked up. This seems very unfair as my building was built 13 years ago and they have not taken any consideration for my property.

The other option would be to step back their extension so I could still have access. They have nor been neighbourly and have sent very personal and upsetting letters even though this is being dealt with by party wall surveyors. I do not want to go to court over this although I do have legal cover with my home insurance which would cover this, However if I wished to sell this could affect my resale value. Any thoughts, am I justified in asking for compensation as well as the cost to make tese alterations to my house.

stressed 27/08/2012 at 8:11 pm

I have recently inherited a property which I am doing up. The neighbour wants to pull down the party wall, which at present is fencing which is two meters high and consists of a solid panel and trellis work on top to let in light. He intends to replace it with a two meter brick wall. The party wall is only a meter from one of our kitchen windows and will completely block out the light. He says that he doesn't need permission, surely that can't be right. I was intending to pull down the party fence as it was and replace it with something smaller to let more light in. Has anyone got any advice for me?

Tony 27/04/2012 at 5:31 pm

Our neighbour consented to our wall being built partly on his land 5".7mm, now wants compensation now it's finished,or pull it down does he have a right to ask this?

Chanty 02/03/2012 at 9:31 am

My neighbour is building 3 rooms in her back yard for occupancy by 3 different persons/families.all doors and windows to these rooms face my bedrooms and look right into one of my bedrooms.as our yards are also small and the houses close together we will also be able to hear and see the tenants next door all the time.Is this an invasion of privacy and do I have a legitimate reason to complain.

murrow114 19/02/2012 at 12:47 pm

My neighbour started his extention over 12 months ago. for the past 8 months work has stopped due to him not being able to afford the work. bricks are left in the front drive, it is generally looking a mess! I have spoken to him with regards to when the work will be finished, but he simply replys with I have no money so never! this is affecting the value of my property as I want to sell and move! is there anyway I can claim compensation or force him into finishing the work? why start if you dont have the funds in place?? is there a time scale when this should be finished by? he did say at the start it would be finished in 6 weeks! any answers would be great. thank you

fed up 03/08/2011 at 12:53 am

We are applying for a single storey extension on our detached house.
Our neighbour on the other side of a 6" fence is saying we'll take light from his garden. He argues our house already casts a shadow.
We have no permitted development rights where we live, so the scheme is in for planning.
His house is set considerably forward from ours.
The back of the houses face North.
Does he have a feasible chance of stopping our application?
Thanks

Jimmy 20/04/2011 at 8:56 am

Hi there, light now has much less punch when it comes to planning refusal. Don't rely on it!

None.. 18/03/2011 at 7:21 pm

Hi Extention build,
Yes my neighbour told me they were going to build an story extention.
1: Plainning: I looked at the plainning drawings, what they doing is completly different is that illegal?
2: On their plainning thing, they were ment to have only one story,look like know its 2 storys they having? is that illegal to?
#### Ok i can put up with one story, if they added another one on,which looks like, it will block my light on patio, and invade my privacy..
3: Should i write to plainning ask how many story they having?,thats first step.
Could i get compsation for it?
As thinking seeing my solitor to.They still building etc..
thinks thats about it thanks Bryn

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