Can neighbours block extension plans?
If you are in the process of submitting planning permission for an extension to your home, not only will your local council need to approve it, but your neighbours will also have a chance to look at your plans. Councils usually provide a public consultation period of 21 days from the date of the notice for people to give feedback or to challenge the application, your neighbours will also be notified by post. It’s not unusual for a neighbour to take issue with a home extension and attempt to stop you from shaping your home the way you’d like.
Even before hiring an architect, we recommend that you talk to your neighbours and let them know of your plans, to gauge their reactions. Let them know what type of extension you are looking for; single storey, double storey, rear only, or a wrap-around extension. If they seem happy with your plans – great proceed. If they seem reluctant approach them to see if there is room for negotiation. Putting in an application, that you know they wouldn’t be happy with will likely result in them asking the Council to reject your plans.
What reasons do neighbours use to reject planning permission?
There are several reasons why neighbours might object to your extension plans. Three main grounds for plans to be rejected are:
Shading their property or blocking their view. If your extension is going to cause significant loss of light to your neighbours, this is clear grounds for your plans to be rejected.
The extension overlooks your neighbour’s property. This would be considered as an invasion of privacy. Can you make modifications to your plans to minimise this?
Housing prices may be negatively affected. This is less common, but there are instances where the design of a neighbour’s extension places it too close to the boundary. This could result in affecting the price of your neighbour’s property.
Why is Planning Permission so important?
Some extensions require planning permission from the local authority. If you’re planning a small extension that doesn’t have any of the issues described above, you should be OK. Each Council’s website will have the latest guidelines so that you can quickly check what falls under permitted development and what will definitely require planning permission. If beyond that you are still unsure, seek professional advice from an architect. Also remember that should you be allowed to build your extension you will also need to involve Building Control at certain stages of the build.
What else does the council look for when you submit plans for an extension?
- Does the extension exceed more than half the area of the original property? This includes any extensions previously built.
- What type of extension is it? Single storey, double storey, rear only, or a wrap-around extension?
- Does it extend to the rear beyond the original structure by more than four meters?
- The same applies to the height of the extension; anything exceeding four metres will require permission.
- Does the extension plan to use materials that differ from the original building?
- Are you building near public roads/pathways?
If you don’t meet any of these guidelines, your neighbours could reject your plans.
What professional services will I need for my extension?
To complete a house extension, you will most likely need:
- An Architect – for the overall design of your extension
- A Structural Engineer – to ensure that your extension is built using the correct materials, as well as the integrity of the original building, when alterations are made.
- A Party Wall Surveyor – you will need a Party Wall Agreement when making alterations that impact your boundaries with neighbours.
- A building team – which would also consist of plasterers, plumbers, electricians, painters and decorators.
If you have architectural drawings, now is the time to contact a structural engineer. Our team are ready to assist you with your home extension. We can help you if you are located in or near any of these areas in north-west London: Camden, Chiswick, Ealing, East Finchley, Edgware, Hampstead, Harrow, Kilburn, Shepherds Bush, Wembley, Willesden.
Neasden Structural Engineers not only works on residential projects but also on commercial and industrial projects. Simply contact us with your specific project needs and we will give you all the advice you need to create a successful project that is tailored to your unique situation. Get in touch with our friendly team of structural engineers today on 020 8088 2243.
