Morning all - the house next door is going to auction in September. They have alot of land (some of which was sold to them by our previous owner therefore the land is actually part of the rear end of our garden). The reason its going to auction is that it has planning potential for a new build at the rear. Is this likely to give us problems should we decide to sell? Would it put you off? I have this horrible vision of a building site next door and no one wanting to buy. Also - would they need to consult surrounding properties before any build and how does it work with blocking sunlight onto the garden? Your advice appreciated.

thanks

hello holidays.

As the land is still up for auction, I would imagine you dont really have any knowledge of who or what is to be built so hang in there until its sold and then try to contact the new owners to establish what it is they intend to build. If you not happy at that point there are a number of options for you, first thing to try would be to lodge a compliant with your local planning office.

Before anyone can gain planning permission, their application for the intended works has to be made public, it is at this point that you have the opportunity to raise any concerns regarding proposed works. Look out on your local district councils planning website, or the planning portal, www.planningportal.gov.org for a link to planning applications in your area. Or look out for the notices stuck up, usually on lamppost, telling the public of intended changes.

Find out what’s going to be built first, you may like it, but I doubt it.

thanks builditnow - will hang in there. Glad we can have our say if needbe.

DO NOT WAIT!!! - contact your local planning authority now and ask about whether or not a planning application for a new dwelling on this land is likely to be recommended for approval. If the answer is positive, this then gives you time to decide whether or not you want to move and to get your property on the market BEFORE a planning application is lodged. I imagine that trying to sell whilst an application is being considered, or even worse during construction would be more difficult.

The planning officer should be able to tell you about things such as minimum distances between your windows and the windows of the new dwelling which should give you some idea of how the property would affect you.

Yes, you would be notified of any application if you were an adjoining landowner, but as I've said, find out now if the principle of developing this site is acceptable.

I would imagine the plot has what they call, 'Outline planning permission'

What this means is that the planners have agreed in principle that a dwelling can be erected and the type and number of bedrooms etc and that there is necessay access.

When the plot is sold the new owners will have to submit a 'Detailed planning application' as to the dwelling that they wish to build.

Therefore you will be unable to sell your property without the new owners knowing what is going on next door.



lee

HI all

I took your advice and called the council who say there is no way they can tell me if planning permission is likely to be granted without an application. They did confirm however that we would be given the notice to dispute the plans if necessary. I am quietly panicking ..... if we have to sell it before it goes to auction in September we will probably have to spend more money on it in order to get it completed quicker aaarrgghh !!!

I have worked as a planner in Local Government for 18 years and the advice you have been given is rubbish!! - You may want to ring again and speak to a planner in the Foward Plans or Local Plans section and ask them if the Principle of building on the land is acceptable. If it is, you may have no other option but to wait for a letter notifying you of the planning application to drop through your door!

You could of course try to buy the land yourself when it comes to auction????

Thanks Planner - will give it another go. We were considering buying the house but its guide price is £280K which is too much for us!!!

Will keep you posted.

thank you

They usually go for way over the guide price too. That's just a figure to suck in the punters - a bit like on Ebay.


lee