A COUPLE were left furious after learning their neighbour’s “monstrous” extension will knock thousands of pounds off the value of their home.
Rod and Alison Pearson, who live in Notts. say next door’s loft conversion has caused nothing but trouble for the last year.
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They claim the “unbearable” setup blocks their sunlight, prompting the couple to consider moving.
But they’ve since been warned next door’s extension has lowered the value of their property – and they are terrified of losing out either way.
Rod, 56, raged: “We had an estate agent around – he said the extension has knocked £10,000 off our property.
“You walk out of our conservatory and look up, and it’s just unbearable.
“Our garden used to get the sun in the morning. It was lovely to sit out there with a coffee. That’s all gone.”
He added: “We never wanted to move from here. This is our home.
“But if we do want to, it’s us that’s got to pay the price.”
Rod and school worker Alison, 46, bought their three-bed home for £167,000 four years ago and previously had no drama with their neighbours.
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But according to plans submitted to the council, next door has since converted their loft to add two offices, a playroom and print room and built a glass-fronted orangery in the garden.
Rod said: “We’ve had enough of it all and they haven’t even stopped yet.
“The dormer on the roof looks like a bungalow that’s been plonked up top.
“As soon as you walk out of the conservatory, it’s hanging over you.”
He also claimed: “Work started over a year ago. But we’ve had nothing but trouble.”
The plans were approved by City of Nottingham Council despite objections from the Pearsons.
The Pearsons’ neighbours declined to comment when approached by Sun Online.
Nottingham City Council has been approached for comment.
How can I challenge my neighbour’s development blocking my light?
IF a new or existing structure is blocking light from entering your home, you have a right to challenge it.
The first thing you should do is have a word with your neighbour – they might not realise the impact it has on your home.
If they’re unwilling to reach an agreement, you have the right to take legal action – but bear in mind that this can be expensive.
First you could try a mediation service, which acts as a neutral third-party to help opposing sides find a compromise.
RICS has set up a Neighbour Disputes Service to negotiate agreements between homeowners.
If you decide to take further action, you’ll need to hire a professional right to light specialist who can assess the impact of the development.
If you raise the issue before construction starts, the need for natural light can be taken into account and avoid court action and solicitors.
But even if building work is finished, neighbouring homeowners can raise a right to light claim for compensation or alterations, so long as evidence is submitted.
If it gets as far as the courts judges can award either financial compensation or order alterations to restore natural light.
The amount of compensation available will vary depending on the situation.
It’s not just right to light issues that can spark neighbour disputes.
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