Small cantilever on proposed neighbour's extension to our boundary

5 years ago

Hi,

We have just received notification from our local council that our neighbours are planning a large wraparound extension to their property. We haven't major concerns except for the part where they intend to build on what was the driveway between our two properties. Their plan is to build up to 1m of our boundary line on the ground floor and to increase the floor space on the first floor, have a 1m cantilever; creating a path underneath to access their back garden.

Along that side of our house we have a ground floor extension that is approximately 1m from the boundary line (with skylights in). We currently have plants and grass leading up to the border, which is defined by the block paving of the driveway.

I'm not going to deny it does feel a bit close for comfort but from what I have read I don't think we have reason to object on those grounds.

However, I am trying to get my head round the party wall regulations and wondered if there is anyone who can offer advice regarding whether this is going to have an impact on the foundations of our home; I would anticipate even a small cantilever requiring additional foundations or does it depend on the type of structure i,e, brick build or wooden frame?

I don't want to be an objectionable neighbour but obviously want to make sure our property is protected structurally and to maintain its value in the future.

We live in a typical approximately 25 year old estate in a village.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Warm regards

Sharon

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Comments (2)

Jonathan
5 years ago
A structural engineer will have worked all this out so you don’t have to worry about the foundations.

I would be worried that your neighbour is going to build something out of keeping with your road which in turn could adversely affect your house value.

Why not go to the public access part of the Borough council website to pull off a picture of what is proposed. You should anonymise the picture and consider putting a new post on Houzz in the form of a poll to gauge opinion on if it is ugly and could affect your house value.
S G thanked Jonathan
PRO
Ivy Ngeow Architecture & Interior Design
5 years ago
1/ A cantilever will NOT impact on the foundations. The strength is in the cantilever itself. It is NOT load bearing.

2/ they have to hire at least three consultants. Architect at this stage, then structural engineer and party wall surveyor AFTER planning. Between the 3 of them, you will be able to ascertain the structural impact which is usually zero.

3/ More importantly is the visual impact, and that must be resolved at this stage (design and planning stage). You can talk to them about this because they probably have a readymade reply from their architect, or you can upload photos or diagrams of the design here if you wish to pursue more advice on this from me.
S G thanked Ivy Ngeow Architecture & Interior Design
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Small cantilever on proposed neighbour's extension to our boundary

Comments (2)

Jonathan

Ivy Ngeow Architecture & Interior Design

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