JKami84

Hi all, many thanks for your responses. They have helped me massively. I have learned I also need to be more transparent about how I feel and when talking / responding that I need to not talk about any emotions, but the detail. My position is this - I have concerns about the plan. I also cannot allow this plan to pass by not being properly scrutinised by those with expertise and authority - therefore I have to voice my concerns. If the plan was submitted in a way the council approved it, then I would respect the decisions. I am also going to be honest with the neighbour and the architect about this position I am taking and hope they understand i'm not trying to be a constant thawn in there side but I could work with them in the future on revised plans. However the pressure on me to be the sole decider to a decision that can have a lasting impact isn't something I can do, so I had to voice my concerns honestly.

We are terraced houses in Hertsmere (only about 5m wide houses). and I got a notification from council stating they want a 6m single story extension - basically taking up their entire garden. I responded immediately stating I'd like more information because i'm otherwise concerned, but would also be happy if all was within requirements and guidelines. I next found out their planning was rejected. My neighbour made contact to help with another issue in my house caused by their work and in my response I said thank you and i heard their permission was rejected which was a shame and "if theres anything i can do to support let me know" I was then contacted by his architect... During this phone call I felt uneasy that his architect kept insisting the plan was fine and I shouldn't have a problem with it. At this stage I did resist a little and say "why don't you apply in a way the council approves it". I called council to learn that they did a neighbour consulatation scheme and although my email was a bit woolly (I didn't feel I was really objecting), it was enough for council to reject it. I also found out that text msg I sent offering support was sent on to the council after rejection. I felt a bit betrayed. They have applied again in the same way... and been contacted by the architect to "support" because its "within permitted development". Questions - 1. Can they not apply "normally", where councils make decisions and I'm not under pressure. I have no expertise in the impact of this. 2. Are they pressuring me or coming to me because they know the council wouldn't otherwise approve their plan because its too extreme? The house depth currently is probably not even 6m. 3. Is the way they are treating me unfair? I feel like responding to council in same way I did last time.