I have a detatched house the property next door is semi detatched starter home, they plan to extend their kitchen and from what I can see on the perposed plans are going to build at the side of their house also butting into my garage wall. Can they do this, it is my property and is not a party wall. Also they have 3 observation chambers and a man hole in the area they plan to build on, which greatly concerns me as their drains block quite frequently I know this because the water level in my down stairs WC drops.Once I see this I check my chambers and rod my man hole which is clear but full of water as the blockage is next door and next door but one and has been a issue since the houses were built. The couple next door have friends stay for long week ends and bank hoildays it is usually after that the drains become blocked and have to be rodded
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
I can offer you this advice to the best of my limited knowledge. However you really need to discuss this with a legal specialist in the field of planning, boundaries and property law.
As far as I am aware they are not allowed to build within 1 metre of the boundary between your properties. They must not reduce the amount of light impinging on your windows beyond a limited legally binding extent. They are not allowed to abut their wall onto your garage wall.
I would initially do a bit of homework, request a friendly informal meeting to find out their exact intentions, then write a courteous letter explaining the legal situation.
With regard to the inspection chambers, their drains have to comply with The Building Regulations and they cannot carry out alterations which cause the drains to depart from the regulations. It can be complex. An architect could best advise you on site. However the most basic requirement is that they must have an inspection chamber at every change of angle and/or at least the ability to rod a drain in straight runs for its entire length.
I hope that helps. Good luck.
Ian
Answered24 April 2012
4
Anonymous user
We believe that your neighbour DOES have the right to build right-up to the boundary, presuming they have the necessary planning consents in place. Your best course of action would be to check they have planning approval and if it is being applied for speak to the planning officer to raise your concerns and lodge a formal objection.
If consent is granted you also have rights under the party wall act and although you cannot stop work you can 'dissent' and insist upon a Party Wall surveyor being appointed on your behalf (at the other sides expense) to draw-up a party wall award.
Finally, with regard to the drainage issues- these should be checked and dealt with by Building Control under the neighours building regulations application. Presuming they have applied to the local authority you may be able to get the inspectors details and talk to them outlining your concerns.
