Selfish developers / Neighbours

[wseed]

I've just seen on yahoo an article where a developer/neighbour has built an extension right up to the house next door. I've seen on here where people have posted asking advice where similar extension have been done. Is this due to the relaxed rules on permitted development? It appears in this case that planning permission was required and subsequently applied for and granted. I'd be devastated if a neighbour built right up to my home, I feel for the couple.