Full Answer
Is it illegal to have a window overlooking your neighbours?
It is not illegal to install a window overlooking your neighbours, provided you have permission to do it. Noone on this forum can tell you whether your neighbours will get permission (it doesn't come from the Mairie, although they have an input). Your neighbours apply, and they may or may not get permission.
What can I do to stop my neighbours looking out windows?
Also, while contesting it, or in the event of that failing, erect something unsightly at the bottom of your garden or extend your fence upwards with something awful. Basically, make them sorry every time they look out of that window. check your household insurance policy to see if you have legal expenses insurance.
How do you deal with overlooking neighbours when building a house?
Dealing with potential overlooking starts with how you position your new house on the plot. Be sensitive to levels, as a raised view towards your neighbours is always going to be hard to mitigate. Lowering floor slabs and ceiling heights can help to prevent elevated views.
Can a tenant pass through a window that overlooks another window?
You need to speak to building control. They are unlikely to pass a clear window if it overlooks.
How do I stop overlooking windows?
A quick way to block out window views without waiting for the maturing or growth of landscape is to include taller shrubs and certain bushes. Tall shrubs typically grow taller than they do wide so these are easy to add in a front, back, or side yard without taking up a lot of space, but also creating more privacy.
How do I stop overlooking?
Overlooking can sometimes be mitigated by planting or fencing. At ground floor level, a 2m-high close-board fence along a flank boundary is likely to eliminate the potential for overlooking between ground floor windows, and a well-kept hedge could have the same effect.
Can you put a window on the side of your house?
In most cases, you will be able to add a window to the side of your house. Not only will it offer nice views to the people inside, but it will also brighten up a room. Just remember that it's in your best interest to consult a professional before you make any decisions or start your project.
Do you need planning permission to add a side window?
When it comes to inserting a new window on the upper storeys of the side elevation of your house, you'll require planning permission unless the windows are glazed with obscured glass to a standard of level 4 or 5 obscurity. They also must be a non-opening frame, unless 1.7m above the floor of the room the window is in.
How can I stop my Neighbours overlooking my garden?
11 Cheap Ways To Block Neighbours View Of Your GardenErect a wooden fence.Plant trees, shrubs and hedges.Grow some bamboo.Grow ornamental grasses.Corrugated metal fence.Make use of super-sized planters.Hang outdoor curtains.Use of trellis.More items...
What is a overlooking window?
Definition of 'overlook' If a building or window overlooks a place, you can see the place clearly from the building or window. [...] See full entry.
Do side windows need to be obscure?
Complying with building regulations For example, if you are adding a window to the side elevation of your property that will be below the height of 1.75 metres you will need to use obscure glass in it.
Why do houses not have windows on the sides?
There are many reasons not to install windows in the side of the house. Most city building codes require that you have at least one window in an open living area. Most city building codes require that you have at least one window in every open living area.
Do you need building regs to put a window in?
For new window openings to habitable rooms there are minimum size requirements equivalent to at least 1/20th of the room's floor area. Building Regulations consent will also be needed for any structural alterations, such as widening an existing opening and fitting a new lintel.
What is the 4 year rule in planning permission?
The '4 Year Rule' allows you to make a formal application for a certificate to determine whether your unauthorised use or development can become lawful through the passage of time — rather than compliance with space standards — and can continue without the need for planning permission.
Do I need planning permission for a lean to on the side of my house?
You can add a lean-to conservatory without planning permission to your home, as long as it is within the boundaries of your property and doesn't cover over 50% of the total area.
Can I build a bay window without planning permission?
The only time where you might require planning permission is if you're inserting a new bay window, as this is treated as an extension. Read more on windows. Reduce carbon footprint with the installation of roof-mounted solar panels.
Can you add a window after an application was approved?
If the original application had no clear window, and that was approved, then they shouldn't have added in a window afterwards. And if it's clear from local planning laws that a window shouldn't be there, then a window bloody well shouldn't be there and the Council planning officers should be able to enforce that!
Can a rooky contractor approve a plan?
Their plans can't have been approved by a rooky contractor. Only the planning office can approve plans. As a PP said, contact building control. Also check to see which local councillors sit on the planning committee, explain to them what has happened and ask them to advocate on your behalf.
What happens if you have a direct line of sight into your neighbour's property?
In lay terms, if you have a direct line of sight into your neighbour's property either from a low border fence or an overlooking high level, it's your responsibility to obscure the view - and the same goes for your neighbours if they can view into your home or yard.
Why are houses closer to each other?
If it feels like houses are getting closer to each other, it's because they are . The Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed in November 2018 that the average floor size of new homes had reached a 22-year low, with new homeowners choosing to install fancier amenities rather than purchase larger blocks of land. This all means that the new generation of homebuyers are living closer to each other, and on smaller blocks.#N#As homes and land plots get smaller and smaller it becomes increasingly difficult to avoid building homes that overlook other properties. Gone are the days of single storey homes with large backyards and high fences. Now, if you have a two-storey home, you need to take steps to avoid any spaces that can view into your neighbour’s property. This includes windows, balconies, terraces, decks or patios.
Why add windows to a house?
Adding windows to your home is a great way to bring light and warmth into your house, and with Perth's predominant ly sunny days, it could save you on electricity bills as well. But before you start planning your build there are a few privacy regulations that you should be aware of, and how using window films can keep your new project on track.
What to do if you have a two storey house?
Now, if you have a two-storey home, you need to take steps to avoid any spaces that can view into your neighbour’s property. This includes windows, balconies, terraces, decks or patios.
What is the importance of good relations with neighbours?
Fostering good relationships with your neighbours is a helpful part of any planning process and avoiding objections from them will certainly help to boost the prospects for your application.
How to prevent elevated views?
Be sensitive to levels, as a raised view towards your neighbours is always going to be hard to mitigate. Lowering floor slabs and ceiling heights can help to prevent elevated views. In extreme cases, a bungalow may be the only way to develop the site without causing unacceptable overlooking.
Can you mitigate high level overlooking issues?
It’s sometimes possible to mitigate higher level overlooking issues by means of tall hedges or tree planting, but such measures take a long time to prove effective, plus coverage varies between the summer and winter.
