I came back from hol to find neighbour’s HUGE eyesore extension looming over my fence – it’s bigger than my entire HOUSE
A PENSIONER got back from a month-long break in India to find a massive structure had been built up to the boundary of his property.
Les Whitaker, 75 claims he was completely unaware of the two-storey extension, which now towers above the back fence of his property in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
The first Les knew of the new building was upon returning from holiday to see it looming over his fence, blocking out the light from his garden and bungalow windows.
Planning permission was granted by Shropshire Council last September, giving property owner Glyn Jones consent for the "remodelling of existing house to provide additional living accommodation, garaging and storage, reordering of elevations and roof profile".
But Les claims he received no notification from the authority about the plans for neighbouring Field House and would have opposed them if the knew it was being built.
Dad-of-three Les, who lives with wife Heather, 75, says the huge 'eyesore' now blocks out some sunlight and also fears it will devalue their home.
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The grandad-of-seven, who used to run a design and advertising agency, said: "I came back from a month's holiday in India, and there it was.
"It's a massive building, it's bigger than my bungalow.
"I had no knowledge about what was happening at all.
"I contacted the council and they said they don't have to write to neighbours.
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"Apparently around Covid time, they changed their policy which basically says they don't need to inform residents of these type of applications."
A report by Tracy Darke, assistant director of economy and place, said "the proposed development will not result in any detrimental impact from causing an overbearing impact, loss of light or loss of privacy".
Les added: "It was all signed off as not impacting any neighbours, well I beg to differ.
"It's an eyesore and also blocks out some of our light. It has probably impacted the valuation of our house and we've had the discussion about whether to move house or not now.
"Its just a sad state of affairs really."
Les believes the structure is a garage and storage facility, but he said that the planning application mentioned accommodation as well.
After not receiving any notification of the build, Les has pointed out that signing up to development alerts for his whole area is the only way he would have been informed ahead of time.
He said: "Other than that the council can just pretty much do as they please, and I want other people to be aware of that.
"It has had a big impact on us and we're not best pleased about it"
What are your legal rights?
Estate agent Petty Son & Prestwich have previously shared their tips on what your rights are if a neighbour is complaining about you blocking their sunlight.
According to their guide, your neighbour might be able to get your tree cut back if it is blocking light from passing through a window or glass door in your property.
Under the Rights of Light Act, if a property has received daylight for the last 20 years, it may be entitled to continue to receive that light.
However, Chun Wong, head of the dispute resolution team at Hodge Jones and Allen solicitors, points out that the right is to "daylight" and not "sunlight".
"This is usually restricted to one foot of candlelight. There is also no right to a ‘view’," she explained.
"If you do have a right to light which is being adversely affected by large trees, then you may be able to apply to the court to restore your right or get an injunction to prevent interference with your right.
A Shropshire Council spokesman said: "The application was publicised in accordance with the legal requirements and Shropshire Council's policy by a site notice, and the application was also available to view in full on the planning portal on the council's website.
"We encourage residents to sign up to our planning online service where they can register their interest in receiving updates about applications for planning permission in their area.
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"The system allows residents to set an area of interest and to track applications of interest."
Glyn Jones has been approached for comment.
