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Property developers should "let the neighbours know"

5th August 2005 | back to article listings BACK    print this article PRINT

There's nothing to stop homeowners from making improvements to their property, be it something as small as putting up a new shelf to bigger endeavours such as patio extensions or loft conversions. Many property owners decide to make these kinds of structural changes to their homes in a bid to improve living conditions and boost the value of their property in the bargain.

On the whole, homeowners in the UK are free to make adjustments to their homes without prior approval from authorities. Current legislation places no restriction upon the area of land surrounding a property, leaving homeowners free to carry out any developments they choose. However, this might not be the case for very extensive developments, and as such, homeowners are advised to make sure that they are not breaking any regulations when deciding to renovate.

Commenting on the issue, a spokesman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (OPDM) explained which kind of developments might be problematic with regard to permission: "There are no restrictions on the area of land around your house, which you can cover with hard surfaces at, or near, ground level," he told the Telegraph. "However, significant works of embanking or terracing to support a hard surface might need a planning application.

"Alternatively, an elevated patio or deck, especially if it creates useable space underneath, might be regarded as an extension or garden building, and be subject to the appropriate limits."

On a more personal level a key concern for those making major external developments to their homes should be the effect upon neighbours. In many cases complaints can be avoided by simply informing neighbours of any works taking place, detailing exactly what is happening and how long it will take to complete. If this is not done, homeowners risk attracting complaints that could lead to a loss of goodwill and, in the worse case scenario, legal action.

"Let your neighbours know about work you intend to carry out to your property," states the OPDM. "There is no point upsetting them if a compromise could be agreed. You may be able to meet some of their worries by modifying your proposal."

Regulations stipulate that all house sellers must complete a full Sellers Property Information Form (Spif) when preparing to sell a property. A Spif covers a range of issues including any fixtures or fittings being left behind, services affecting the property that are in still in effect, and whether or not any disputes have taken place with neighbours. Earlier this year a survey revealed that having the perfect neighbours can boost the price of your property by four per cent, whereas having squatters next door can knock over 16 per cent of the value of your home. According to property website propertyfinder house hunters are becoming more and more willing to pay more for a quiet, trouble free life, as neighbours have a big influence on our quality of life.

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