On What Grounds Can You Object to a Neighbour’s Planning Permission?

Chances are you have at least a cordial relationship with the people who live around you, which can make it difficult to raise an objection when their proposed building plans come to light. Nevertheless, in some cases you have every right to feel upset, particularly if their planning permission will have a negative impact on your lifestyle or the value of your property.

Here at Simon Levy, we know how frustrating the dispute process can be, which is why we offer a service that provides you with the expert advice you need to ensure your appeal is as strong and convincing as possible. Not sure if you have a good case for an appeal? We’ve rounded up some of the most common reasons why people submit an objection to a neighbour’s planning permission.

1. Loss of Privacy

It’s fair to say that everyone has the right to a certain level of privacy regardless of where they live. If your neighbour intends to carry out renovations or extend their home in a way that would have an adverse effect on your privacy, there’s a good chance that you have strong grounds for an appeal. You may also be able to appeal if the planning permission would diminish the amount of light your home receives (though you can’t object to a loss of view).

2. Accessibility Issues

Another common reason for submitting an objection is that the planning permission introduces accessibility issues for you or other people in the community. For example, if the proposed developments would impede disabled access or lead to a shortage of parking, loading and turning space, you may have the basis for a dispute. Similarly, if the planning permission is likely to generate a significant amount of traffic or impact road user safety, you may be able to dispute it.

3. Threat to the Environment

Conservation is a high priority for local councils across the UK. With this in mind, if you have reason to believe that your neighbour’s planning permission could affect the natural landscape or damage nearby trees, you may be able to raise a convincing dispute. You may also have grounds for an objection if the proposed building plans will affect a nearby heritage site.

4. Design Issues

It’s important to remember that the council will usually take into consideration the visual impact of the planning permission. This means that you may be able to dispute the plans if your neighbour intends on building something that is notably out of character for the neighbourhood, ignores local design guidelines or uses building materials that are aesthetically displeasing.

It’s worth noting that is far from an exhaustive list. There are many other scenarios that may make for the basis of a good dispute and prevent your neighbour from carrying out building work that would disrupt your day to day life. For more information about how we can help you submit a strong planning permission appeal, please don’t hesitate to contact us today on 020 8207 6100.