Commenting against a planning application

[TheSlackers]

Hopefully this is the right place and somebody can help me.

We currently live behind what was a small redundant factory when we moved in about 4 years ago which has resently undergone some regeneration and looked to be intended for offce use. This was all done without any planning permission about 6 months ago but after a while with no tenants the first floor was converted into flats and people moved in right away.

We've had a letter through in the last day or 2 advising us that a retrospective planning application has been put in for B1 units downstais and flats to the first floor. We have the right to comment but only on "planning issues". I have no idea what can be counted as a planning issue!!

The problem for us is the flat windows are directy in line with that of ours and are on the same level, they are also only around 6 - 8 meters away from our house. If I look out of my window I direct look into the flats and vice verca. The windows also overlook my back garden, again the building is about 2 meters away from my back gate, see image below (flats are in red box houses in yellow, mine with X).

Basically I need to know what the "Planning issues" are that I can raise around the above and anything else. I've no issue if it was all offices as we knew when we moved in that this could happen but with flats I can hardly go anywhere in the house or garden without being in view of the other people.

 

[Big Pete]

not a lot you can do actually, only insist windows overlooking you are frosted glass maybe..

if its approved neighbours have no say .. unfortunately..

 

[TheSlackers]

not a lot you can do actually, only insist windows overlooking you are frosted glass maybe..

if its approved neighbours have no say .. unfortunately..

That's ok but they had most of the windows open in the summer as they were hanging out of them smoking....

 

[Big Pete]

That's ok but they had most of the windows open in the summer as they were hanging out of them smoking....

Oh i can imagine yep .. a pain in the butt having that lot being developed i bet..

been there had hassles similar years ago.. neighbours decided to keep pigs !!!! and council say its ok so i know ..

 

[Tantrum]

Could you contact your local planning officer and talk it through, that's what they are there for I suppose! A friend of mine recently fought against a similar construction next to his house and won with advice from his planning officer so unless I'm being really naive, retrospective applications are not always a foregone conclusion? Good luck anyway...

 

[TheSlackers]

Could you contact your local planning officer and talk it through, that's what they are there for I suppose! A friend of mine recently fought against a similar construction next to his house and won with advice from his planning officer so unless I'm being really naive, retrospective applications are not always a foregone conclusion? Good luck anyway...

If I could get through to them!!! That's one of the reasons I'm asking here, they don't answer the phone!

 

[Tantrum]

D*mn that's annoying, sorry!

 

[Tantrum]

just found this if it's of any use - you've probably already found this sort of thing yourself:
http://www.planning-applications.co.uk

 

[TheSlackers]

just found this if it's of any use - you've probably already found this sort of thing yourself:
http://www.planning-applications.co.uk

Yeah seen it.

How does this sound for starters....

"The 6 first floor windows as shown in the supporting documents as rear elevation nr 3 are parallel to and at the same level as the first floor windows of neighbours’ houses in Cxxxxx Street. The respective neighbours and applicants windows are little more than 10 meters apart across the whole rear elevation of Pxxxxxx house and include a mixture of bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens and living areas which in full view of each other. "

"There has been no extra parking capacity put in place around the development which based on a small cul-de-sac location where parking and vehicle access is already an issue due to double yellow lines. The addition of 5 flats and a similar number of small business units on such a small street with no additional provision made will cause parking issues for local residents many of whom have no off road parking."

"I would question the need for the flats in the current location as just a few meters away a new development of 36 similar flats in Gxxxxx Street were completed only 2 years ago. This development is currently not at full capacity."

 

[skyhi2]

From what i can see from the photos,parking is going to be a problem for starters.

Is there any on site parking at all,maybe hidden from the ariel view,or could that area in the center be for parking ?.

My goodness that`s certainly a monstrosity over your back fence.

Not sure if you could object because you are going to be " overlooked ",but it would be worthwile asking about it.

If you can not get the planning officer on the phone,go down to the town hall and ask to speak to him/her in person ( even if you have to make an appointment for a later day ).

Good luck with it.

Oh,i see you picked up on the parking issue

Skyhi2.

 

Does the property affect your right to light.?

Earl