According to a recent study, the UK has some of the highest levels of neighbourhood trust in the world, with more residents feeling comfortable living next to people from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds than ever before. Unfortunately, neighbourhood harmony can be easily upset, with noise, parking, and overgrown trees among the most common reasons for relations souring.
Property extensions, too, can be a source of discontent and, if your plans to expand your living space are derailed by your neighbours’ objections, it can be difficult to re-establish positive relations.
In this article, we’ll consider whether your neighbours have the right to prevent you from expanding your home and how an orangery extension could be a more straightforward and less contentious solution.
In the UK, the rules regarding property extensions vary according to several factors, such as the size of the planned development, its location, and local authority (LA) regulations. Some extensions fall under ‘permitted development’ rights, which give homeowners the legal right to undertake development without seeking the views of their neighbours or planning consent from the LA.
If you’re planning a larger extension that doesn’t fall under permitted development rights, or contravenes a local bylaw or covenant, obtaining planning permission is a legal necessity. Your neighbours will be asked to share their views on your plans which could influence the LA’s final decision about whether to allow you to construct the extension.
Planning permission is refused most frequently if the extension:
Overshadows a neighbour’s property, causing a loss of light.
Overlooks other homes, causing a loss of privacy.
Is out of character with the existing property or the neighbourhood.
It is important to remember that your neighbours’ views will not solely form the basis for the LA’s decision, but will be taken into account. Therefore, if you do not have absolute confidence that your neighbours will support your plans, it may be worth considering an alternative solution, such as an orangery.
An orangery is a room that is often described as a hybrid of an extension and a conservatory, featuring large windows, wide brick pillars, and, sometimes, a glass roof. Originally used for growing citrus trees in a warm and protected environment, orangeries are luxurious, light-filled spaces in homes that blend indoor comfort with an outdoor feel.
Orangeries usually fall under permitted development rights, exempting them from planning regulations. This allows homeowners to add substantial space and value to their homes without the time and expense of making a planning application. Despite this, orangeries maintain the full functionality and feel of a traditional extension: they can be equipped with central heating, feature internally plastered walls, and are adaptable for various uses, such as living rooms, dining areas, or bedrooms. Additionally, their construction often involves cheaper materials while the build time is shorter, sometimes only a few weeks. By opting for an orangery, you can reduce delays and costs and avoid a potentially ugly dispute with your neighbours.
For more information about our range of luxury orangeries, please download our brochure.
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