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Objecting to Planning Application

(16 Posts)
Notinthemanual Sat 27-Mar-21 14:55:45

Does anyone have experience and tips for the best way to phrase my objection to my neighbour's application to extend their existing extension. The plan is for me to be looking at a 9m flat roof and an area in my garden that already doesn't get sunlight to be more shaded.

They will be renting the property out, so their decision isn't just to improve their home to the detriment of mine, which would be bad enough: but it is essentially going to be a business.

I wasn't sure whether to post here or in on the "Legal" forum. Should I post there too?

tanith Sat 27-Mar-21 15:12:48

Are any other neighbours likely to be affected? The more people that object the better. Will any windows overlook your property?
We were a group of 10 neighbours who all objected to an overdevelopment of a house near us which was stopped. One lady was an administrator and she was so good at wording the objections and it worked. The people who own the house have submitted a much simpler and acceptable renovation that no one has objected to.
Good luck.

silverdragon Sat 27-Mar-21 15:16:54

Just keep it factual. State what you will lose as in light, etc.

varian Sat 27-Mar-21 15:21:21

Remember that your letter of objection will be published on the Council's website. It might help to have a look at the planning section of the website for other applications for extensions which have been refused planning permission and read any letters of objection from neighbours.

varian Sat 27-Mar-21 15:23:18

The planning officer's report when recommending refusal must list "reasons for refusal" and you might find this useful if the same point could be made about your neighbour's application.

Daisymae Sat 27-Mar-21 15:34:19

Might be an idea to look at other planning applications online and see on what grounds they were refused. There should be other info on the council website as to what your objection could contain. Loss of light, maybe overdeveloping the plot, out of keeping with existing building in the location etc. Speak to neighbours and see if they would object too. Having said that some councils can be a law unto themselves so good luck.

Whiff Sat 27-Mar-21 16:50:51

Does it say on their application that they intend to rent it out therefore making a business venture. If they haven't and you know for a fact that they are going to do this. The application could be refused if they haven't said that. Also if they intend to rent it out they need it to be inspected not just by the council but the fire service as it comes under different regulations to that of it just being a home. Not sure what they are but the planning department should be able to give you plenty of information to put into your objection.

Callistemon Sat 27-Mar-21 16:56:46

silverdragon

Just keep it factual. State what you will lose as in light, etc.

Will this extension mean you will have a loss of light?

Does this involve a change of use as you say it will become a business? That may not get planning permission.

I agree about asking other neighbours who may also be affected.

M0nica Sat 27-Mar-21 17:03:39

Here is a link that clearly tells you what are valid objections to a planning application. The ones you mention are all acceptable.

It also tells you what are not permitted or are irrelevant.

Make the letter a business letter; impersonal and stating the facts, ideally as bullet points and extra info if needed. Make it as short as possible and include photos, if they would be of use.
[www.iobject.co.uk/what-are-valid-reasons-for-objecting-to-a-planning-application.html]]

Barmeyoldbat Sat 27-Mar-21 17:38:50

Yes we objected to a large extension being built next door. We put in our objections based on an extra bedroom would mean extra parking (Councils rules) and there was no off more off road parking available. We also used over development, being overlooked and lose of light into our garden and possibly kitchen. We then went to the next Local Council meeting and made our objections known. We also wrote to our local Councillor asking him to take up our case. We also told our neighbours and two of them objected. Planning was refused and they moved.

Notinthemanual Sun 28-Mar-21 10:28:06

Thank you all for posting - your comments are really helpful. The neighbour the other side is also objecting. I will photo where I will lose light. I hadn't thought about my letter being published on the website, so I will have to give thought to mentioning the rental likelihood because they haven't told me that, so it's basically reliable gossip. Thank you again. I'll check in later to see if any one has something else to add.
Enjoy your Sunday

Liz46 Sun 28-Mar-21 10:35:44

Slightly different but our neighbour applied for permission to build five 4 bed houses in his garden. Because of lockdown it was a bit difficult to communicate with all the neighbours but we formed an online group and raised over 100 objections!

The application was turned down but he has appealed. The local councillor has been a great help.

Gwenisgreat1 Sun 28-Mar-21 10:43:31

Sounds like if it goes ahead it could lower the value of your home?

SusieB50 Sun 28-Mar-21 12:46:08

You are very lucky with your local councils it seems ! The people who bought my parents lovely Victorian house have had permission granted to demolish the house and built a block of 9 flats , totally out of keeping with the area, blocking neighbours’ light and the absolute over development .Despite over 150 objections and the local history society objecting . We watched the meeting on line and we’re appalled at the total disinterest of the council members . Very sad for everyone .

M0nica Sun 28-Mar-21 14:46:56

Gwenisgreat The effect on the value of the house is not admissible as a reason for opposing a planning application.

Liz46 Sun 28-Mar-21 16:59:55

That's terrible Susie.