Developers knocking down next door...

[DoubleSix]

C'est la vie.

I'm not the sort to object without good reason. However a few issues have come up.

Firstly, they have offered to turn the currently shared side access path over to me exclusively (olive branch I guess).

My question is that I have nothing other than their word on this - in reality what needs to happen to make this legal? When they've built and sold on I don't want the new owner contesting...

[DoubleSix]

I've got three days before objections can no longer be lodged. At which point my leverage deminishes considerably I guess...

The other neighbors are up in arms but I'm trying to keep cool, got enough on my plate already.

[DoubleSix]

On the whole the development does not offend my sensibilities - the developers have clearly pitched it 'well'. But I'd be happier if it weren't happening of course.

The existing site is a decrepit bungalow on a massively outsized plot in a very desirable suburb.

They want to knock it down and build 4 semi- detached dormer bungalows.

Mine is semi on the right in this pic; bungalow on the left... the proposed development will increase height to about where my upstairs lintel sits, so our rear garden will lose a little privacy and light.



I have done some reading around what grounds will and won't be taken into account regarding objections.

They have made no provisions for parking which seems odd. One might suggest a degree of overdevelopment is taking place too. Is it in keeping with other property, not sure really....


Be happy to PM a link to any more knowledgeable folk here from either side of the development/resident fence. As I say I am not a NIMBY but obviously taking a view on what's occurring next to my property.

[DoubleSix]

Equus said:

DoubleSix said:

They have made no provisions for parking which seems odd.

Read their Design and Access Statement or Planning Statement, as submitted with the application. It should explain why they have taken this approach, and justify it in terms of local Planning policy.

Thanks. Yes, I did that and indeed our Council are very anti-car/pro public transport. As such they have placed much emphasis on the good local transport links etc. What has erked other residents, and myself actually, is that they have been disingenuous in stating there are no issues with parking kerbside when in fact parking is a constant bun fight.

[DoubleSix]

You can't see the plot from that pic, it runs way off to the left...

[DoubleSix]

Equus said:

blueg33 said:

I have a policy - never make an application where you think you will get a refusal for any reason. Its a waste of time and resource

Absolutely. And during my career working for major developers, I NEVER failed to gain Planning Approval for a site at the end of the day (although some were a long, hard slog).

It's only now that I'm running my own practice and taking on a lot of work for 'amateurs' and self-builders that I'm getting the odd refusal - because despite best advice, there are those clients who insist that they want to 'have a go' anyway. It's their money...

Having said that, the OP's site looks like the sort of project that's being promoted by a smaller builder, so it's entirely possible that the application is flawed. But if it's something as basic as parking provision, even the most incompetent Planner will pick it up.

Loss of daylight is unlikely to help you, if they know what they're doing: if you follow the standard methodology that Planners usually use (BRE: Site Planning for Daylight and Sunlight) through to its more complicated, calculated conclusion instead of just the initial-rule-of-thumb, pretty much anything short of the Black Hole of Calcutta will come out as compliant.

Ditto traffic generation: I've had NIMBY's in the Forest of Dean who think that waiting more than 30 seconds at a junction is an unbearable infringement on their human rights. Oh, how we laughed!

Thanks for the input.

They're a professional outfit with numerous developments across the City. Plans include the shadow projections from around the clock etc.

Hence I reckon the parking issue is calculated and not an oversight. Apparently, 18 of my neighbors are objecting, they keep asking me to join them!

Tbh I don't want to get on bad terms with the developer without good reason so if there's nothing to be gained I shall not object.

Does my proximity give me any extra consideration or am I just one more name on a list?