double storey extension

[geome]

The people next door to me are having a double storey extension built
They submitted the plans which I agreed to but now upon building they are building it half a metre closer to my boudary the plans submitted to the council show it at the original distance of one + half metres from the boundary are they in breach of planning regulations

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

They are only permitted to build what has been approved so they are in breach yes.

Assuming you do not approve of their cheekyness then you probably ought to have a word with them first, if they fail to change things PDQ get on the blower to the council ASAP.

 

[DevilDamo]

In some situations, amended plans may have been submitted to the LPA, but even still... you would or should have been consulted about those amendments during the planning decision process. And... it has been known for layouts to slightly change when they come to build it on site. Some things can be agreed on site with the BCO but when it involves increasing the size of the buiding, then the BCO should have advised the clients to speak with the LPA.

FMT said to speak to your neighbours first, but I personally would speak to the LPA and have them check it out. Reason being is if you spoke to your neighbours and they told you it has got bigger and they're not going to bother going back into planning, then they will know you will speak to the LPA and report it. You can report it anonymously if you were worried about being found out. Because one assumes, any neighbour could have reported it.

 

[geome]

Hi,
Thank for your replies
Half a metre does not sound a lot but its makes a big difference on a double strorey extension also to the position of windows etc.
Can I insist on demolition of the part built extension and have it built in the correct place as shown on the approved plans

 

[keithsmith]

FMT said to speak to your neighbours first, but I personally would speak to the LPA and have them check it out. Reason being is if you spoke to your neighbours and they told you it has got bigger and they're not going to bother going back into planning, then they will know you will speak to the LPA and report it. You can report it anonymously if you were worried about being found out. Because one assumes, any neighbour could have reported it.

I would agree 100% with the 'above' advice given. I wouldn't bother speaking with the neighbour in question either, nor would I make an acknowledgement of your concerns. As this could lead towards animosity.

LA's are suppose to make a final check on finished development, however: the reality is 'so wot different'. So you'll have to 'nip this one in the bud' ASAP! if not! there is the possibility that your neighbour could apply for retrospective planning permission.

 

[geome]

Hi,
Thanks for your reply but how do I go about nipping it in the bud
Would it be advisable for me to employ the services of a solicitor
Regards
George

 

[keithsmith]

Get intouch with either the case officer or the duty planner

 

[DevilDamo]

Hi,
Would it be advisable for me to employ the services of a solicitor

If you have the money, then it's up to you. I personally wouldn't because you could find out the majority of information the solicitor would find. They'd only approach the LPA like you would do, but they'd charge you in doing so.

In the first instance, speak to your LPA and maybe the case officer involved.

 

[geome]

Hi,
I might add also that they are putting in a top storey window directly overlooking my back door. This window was not shown on the approved plans.

 

[DevilDamo]

As I and the majority of people have said...

speak to your LPA

 

[geome]

What is the purpose of a planning officer if a person can build what he wants then apply for retrospective planning permission this takes away my right to object.
I have been in touch with the planning officer several times all I get is that it has been put down as an enforcement and that an officer will investigate the matter

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

You will have your right to object when they apply for retrospective Planning Permission. The extension will be decided on its own merits and the fact that it is already built will (should) have no bearing on their decision but I understand your cynicism.

 

[cajar]

Geome, would you keep us updated as to what happens?

 

[architecturedirect]

I would definitely speak to your local planning authority first on this matter. Call up as a general enquiry before disclosing too many details. It sounds like what they're doing is definitely in breach of the agreed plans and if the local authority were to find this out after it was built there is no doubt that the authority would submit an enforcement notice to get the extension amended to the original plans. If you act upon it now it could save your neighours a lot of hassle in the future.