Planning Recommendations

How well do you get on with your neighbours? How would you feel if you fell out with them?

We didn't really know our neighbours and we made a mistake not talking to them as soon as we started thinking about an extension. It probably wouldn't have made any real difference as we wanted a big extension on two floors and I suspect they would only have been happy with a single storey, but it still might have made the process easier.

The first time we submitted plans, we told them after we had submitted so they knew to expect the letter from the council. One neighbour objected but the other did not and said nothing - so we assumed they were ok. In hindsight - this was obviously the wrong time but we were just caught up in the design process.

The second time we showed them the plans just prior to submission. The neighbour who objected came round, measured up and pronounced he was OK - then promptly objected anyway..... the other neighbour also objected!! Shows you never can tell or assume anything.

Basically, tell your neighbours all the way through but expect them to object anyway. Talk to the planning officer - or get your architect to talk to them, so there are no technical reasons for a rejection - it can be very expensive redesigning your plans.

Finally, planning can only be rejected on technical issues - things like reduction in their property values has no bearing on the decision - although if you share a party wall (as we do) best not to upset them too much...