Does anyone know about building regs etc?

[Alison]

The neighbours would have been unlikely to have been allowed a windown on that side due to planning restrictions although they may have got away with a misted one. I assume that the existing wall is 100% on the neighbour's property therefore if the new builders are using this wall they are building on somebody else's land. You aren't even meant to put guttering over that line so although a precedence is set to build UP to the boundary it's totally different to go OVER it.

[Mikey]

Alison, for the planning department to have agreed it in principal the neighbours extension would have had to have been on the boundary line. Obviously a window on this wall would have to be obscured glass as it looks over the neighbours property, but they are considered permitted development. Binley doesn't comment on whether the proposed extension is of one or two storeys, a single storey extension adjoining a two storey would not give the impression of a terrace whereas a two storey would.

I would in the first instance go round and ask the neighbours if you can see the plans, and talk through with them what they are intending to do, if you get on with them that is. The neighbour would be made aware of any objections, so I think it is always courteous to have a discussion about it first.

[binley100]

They have now had two estate agents round and both have said the extension will devalue their house by up to 40K which in turn has a knock on effect on ours ...They have seen the plans and their wall is going to be used as a party wall instead of building a new external wall for the extension. There is a bit of an extension there already BUT there is a gap between only a small one but its there .....

[Snadger]

Years ago I had a terraced house on which I built a single story extension. I was allowed to use the neighbours existing extension wall as the back of my extension and only had to form another cavity by screwing 2"x2" timbers to wall, insulating and putting plasterboard on my side.
As has been mentioned, a single story wouldn't turn it into a terraced house but a double storey would IMHO.

[binley100]

We've now managed to get a look at the plans and tbh me and 'im think they are building their own wall right next to the existing wall. I think my neighbours have read it wrong and have panicked but i can understand and it would 've been nice to for them to have been told about it rather than an official letter after all they do speak (usually) . But thanks for advice given

[Mikey]

Neighbours are odd, perhaps they mean't to say something but felt awkward about doing so.

There's nowt so strange as folk as they say, well just look at me.

[JanieB]

The planning authority are not concerned whether the land or property belongs to the person requesting permission but only whether the plans comply with building regulations.

You can download the deeds to both properties from Land Registry - Land Registry for £4 per part of deeds (£8 for both plan and conveyance) so £16 altogether for both sets.

I would also visit Garden Law advice on fences, trees and boundaries who have some very knowledgeable people to advise you (and some not so wise).