Reinstate bricked up window (ground floor, side facing)

[drpepe]

Around 2020 the previous owners of our standard 1930s semi blocked the kitchen side window and built an attached utility that overlaps approx half of the window width (so half the old opening would now be in the utility, half still on the side facing wall, nothing visible everything plastered or rendered inside and out).

The side wall of our semi faces the side of our neighbours house about 5 to 6 metres away, who have the original window layout (no extension, window facing us).

Are there any planning requirements for reinstating a window opening (in this case, partially reinstating approx 70cm opening versus the original approx 120cm opening) or can I just crack on?

Thanks!

 

[Wayners]

Were there plans drawn showing the removal?
If not then you can put the window back.
Any concerns contact your local planning office for guidance.
Also is there a lintel above window or was that removed? You will need building regs to fit a new one

 

[drpepe]

Hi Wayners, yes the work had planning permission. I guess that means I need permission to reverse that.

 

[Wayners]

Yeah

 

[noseall]

Around 2020 the previous owners of our standard 1930s semi blocked the kitchen side window and built an attached utility that overlaps approx half of the window width (so half the old opening would now be in the utility, half still on the side facing wall, nothing visible everything plastered or rendered inside and out).

The side wall of our semi faces the side of our neighbours house about 5 to 6 metres away, who have the original window layout (no extension, window facing us).

Are there any planning requirements for reinstating a window opening (in this case, partially reinstating approx 70cm opening versus the original approx 120cm opening) or can I just crack on?

Thanks!

Side windows (neighbour facing) are contentious for two reasons - spread of fire (when they are within a certain distance of the boundary), means the size of the window is considered as well as any openings..
And the overlooking the neighbour thing - usually dealt with by fitting obscured glass.

 

[drpepe]

Thanks for the comments. I’d hoped being a reinstated window, being ground floor, and the presence of the equivalent (larger) window in my neighbour’s house might mean I could avoid obscured glass. Do the requirements vary with councils or is that an absolute you think?