plazacornwall

Thanks for posting that, a good read. I'll keep this thread updated as, although I've not heard anything yet I'm anticipating hearing from the planners with the neighours objections shortly!

Again, not an official source (so could well be incorrect/a misinterpretation) but some websites allude to this privacy caveat as per the following:- https://www.savoytimber.com/help-and-advice/do-you-need-planning-permission-for-your-garden-decking/ I'm not particularly au fait with planning permission regs outside of those I read and complied with on the official website, but given my lack of knowledge seems a bit of a minefield in terms of differing info online have been caught a bit off guard by these sudden objections. OK, this is brilliant advice thanks.

Hi all, thanks very much for the responses thus far, it’s much appreciated. That’s a really handy bit of info regarding a Lawful Development Certificate and I’ll definitely explore this route. As regards complying with the rules, I believe I have albeit there does seem to be a caveat regarding privacy which is “The decking must not affect the ability of neighbours to enjoy their own gardens, or risk any intrusion to their privacy – for example, by being high enough to see over their fences” As it is a sloped garden, if I was that way inclined I could stand at the edge of the decking and look over their fences. This is why I mention erecting privacy screening at the far end of the deck to effectively counteract this argument and, provided this screening isn’t taller than 2m (is this measured from ground level?) I can’t see I’d need permission from the neighbours despite their protests.

Hi all, was looking for some advice if you please. I've erected some decking at the back of my home in Cornwall on a sloped garden and have complied with the planning permission requesites re the decking not being over 30cm higher ground level (at the highest point from the ground adjacent) & not covering more than 50% of my garden. I informed both of my neighbours about my intentions well in advance, out of courtesy, and they raised no issues. Having completed the project, I went on holiday for two weeks and I have had subsequent contact from both neighbours stating they are uncomfortable about their privacy/being able to see into their homes from the decking (I am assuming they have colluded as they raised pretty much the same complaint word for word one after another). I've offered to erect privacy screening but they have both said they don't want this as would effect their light/view. Was intending on applying for retrospective planning permission with the screening regardless, but there seems to be a whole swathe of differing information online. This site states that neighbours can refuse permission even if the decking conforms:- https://www.cladcodecking.co.uk/blog/post/planning-permission-for-decking whilst there seems to be a precedence set from previous planning inspectorate cases that my application would be succesful if I was to erect privacy screening. I'm trying to be reasonable, paticularly as no issues were even hinted at when I discussed this prior to constructing the decking. Any advice on what my rights are/how you advise I should proceed would be greatly appreciated - also if anyone has encountered similar problems & the outcomes. Many thanks.