Neighbour Loft Window

last year

last modified: last year

Dear All,

One of my neighbours has put up a window in his loft facing towards my property which was not approved in his plan and I have checked that on the planning portal. I am planning to put my own loft extension in a year or so where I will propose a window on that side. I already have obfuscated windows on the lower floors on that side.

I spoke with my neighbour about his breach which he accepts. I told him that he will have to close his window when I will propose my window on that side. Have I done the right thing. Does anyone thinks I will face any issues when I propose my planning application due to his illegal loft window. Is there a time period or something after which his window cannot be challenged ? Any assistance will be highly appreciated and will help me deal with the situation amicably.

Thanks,

Winsome

Featured Answer

winsome
Original Author

last year

Many thanks @Jonathan @Dee @Resi Design Ltd. I have now got reply from my planning team. They think its under permitted developement. This is considered as a roof sunlight 1.7 meter from floor. They have confirmed it wont have impact on my application.

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Comments (11)

Angie
last year
I suggest you talk to the planning department. There are strict rules about windows on the side of buildings overlooking neighbouring properties. A few doors along from us someone put a window in an extension and it had to be removed and bricked up.
Mary Best
last year
I think this is a great idea!
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winsome
Original Author
last year
Many Thanks @Mary Best and @Angie. I was reading somewhere on internet that sunlight roof is permitted development. I am attaching neghbours building work pic. would this be considered a window or a sunlight roof in loft
User
last year
I'm not familiar with the term sunlight roof, so perhaps you mean a sun tunnel? Looks like a rooflight to me.
Angie
last year
I would still talk to the planners for advice. The window itself is a beaux style by the look of it and seems to be quite high up,so may not overlook your proposed window. But either way, I would talk to the planners. Not sure how you can enforce blocking up a window just because you want to build an extension, but again, the planning department will advise. You might well be charged for their advice, but it will give you clarity.
Angie
last year
That should read velux style window! Can’t edit on the app.
winsome
Original Author
last year
Many thanks @Angie and @User. I have emailed my local planningteam. hopefully they will provide an input.
Dee
last year
That looks like a roof light and it clearly is not directly facing your house. I doubt that is overlooking your property (by that I mean , I’m pretty sure they will be getting a view of the sky)
Jonathan
last year
I think the planning department will tell you that very high up windows like these velux are above eyeline so no one could see outwards only upwards. For this reason it doesn’t cause privacy issues and had it been on your neighbours planning application there would have been no reason to deny it.

It should make no difference to your plans either.
PRO
Resi Design Ltd.
last year
Hi there,

I was able to get advice from our Planning Submissions team. Regarding your neighbour’s loft window, if this is unlawful, it would only become immune from enforcement if no action is taken within 4 years of the development being substantially complete. However, it is often best to attempt to resolve the situation with your neighbour before involving the council’s Enforcement Team.

Given that the window is unlawful this should not influence the assessment of your planning application by the Council.

Hope that is helpful, but if you would like to chat further with an architectural expert on our team, don't hesitate to give us a call or book in a free advice call here.

Have a lovely day.

Brid

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