RESIDENTS have been left fuming after their neighbour planned to build six small flats in their back garden.
The planning row broke out when the “cramped” three-storey flats were proposed after knocking down a garage in Orpington, London.
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The plans were sent to Bromley Council by Haskin Designs but unhappy neighbours are now calling the flats an “eyesore”.
The application has seen several residents object online with others slamming the proposed builds.
One neighbour told MyLondon: “The proposed material finish to the walls and roof of the flats is totally out of character with the mock Tudor houses in Lancing Road which are brick with tiled roofs.
“The flats will be an eyesore, especially to those who live in numbers 19, 21 and 23 Lancing Road who will see them every day from their back windows and back gardens.”
They added that the plans didn’t include replacing a rotting fence that divided the garden with the one next door, showing a “blatant disregard for the security of the residents.”
Another neighbour said the “outrageous” plans had caused a great deal of “uncertainty and anxiety” to locals.
While a third said: “It is difficult to know where to start when discussing the absurd situation that might allow developers to build a two to three-storey building in a suburban back garden.”
Planning documents sent by Haskins Designs said that the impact of the flats on the character and appearance of the area had been carefully considered, as well as the effect on neighbours.
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They said: “The proposals fully comply with the planning policies and positively contribute to the requirement for good quality apartments. We, therefore, conclude that the proposals should be considered for approval.”
Plans for the new flats will be discussed at a Bromley council planning meeting on March 23.
Council officers recommended the plans for approval in their report to help increase housing in the area.
They said: “The development would have a high-quality design and would not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of neighbouring occupiers, subject to suitable conditions or impact detrimentally on the character of the area.
“It is considered that the standard of the accommodation created will be good.”
It comes after a nightmare neighbour suddenly tore down his house and left an “eyesore” that residents say ruined their street.
According to residents who live on the street, the owner only had permission to get rid of the garage but proceeded to tear down the entire property.
Haskin Designs have been contacted for comment.
What are your planning permission rights?
Planning disputes are often troublesome, here are your rights in the matter.
The first and cheapest route is to talk to your neighbour and try to come up with a solution.
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors offers a boundary mediation service, and neighbours can access 30 minutes of free advice from a chartered surveyor.
Your local council may also offer a mediation service.
Under permitted development rights, it’s possible to extend your house by up to four metres at the rear without having to apply for planning permission, or consult your neighbours.
So if your neighbours want to do that, they can.
Similarly, they can put up a fence up, as long as it’s on their land, although it would probably be subject to a height restriction, depending on where you live and what your local council’s rules are.
If you suspect that it doesn’t match these criteria you should object to the local planning authority immediately.
Legal action
A homeowner is supposed to get a legal document called a party wall agreement signed if they are carrying out works near or on a property boundary.
This sets out the work being carried out and the times it can be done.
According to Gov.uk, building works must avoid causing unnecessary inconvenience and protect a neighbour’s property from damage.
A homeowner must also fix or pay for damage that they cause.
Notice of between two months and one year usually needs to be given depending on the circumstances.
You can find out more about getting a party wall agreement on the Gov.uk website.
