Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Hi littlep,

The main reticence about roof terraces is about over looking other peoples properties. Southwark compared to many other boroughs has higher density. So your builder is probably correct compared to less dense areas of London.


I've seen a number of applications that have included flat roof space where conditions have been added blocking this after a number of neighbouring residents expressed fear about a roof terrace being created.


so would you overlook any neighbouring properties or gardens. IF you would then you need to work out whether they'd mind or not. If they would then you'll understandably have a fight on your hands with other people wanting to preserve the privacy and use of their property/land.


Hope this helped and I hope it all works out for you and your neighbours.

We live on Friern Road and around us quite a few of the houses have been divided into 2 flats and the top flat has got a roof terrace and stair case leading to their half of the garden.


I suppose I do notice them but only as much as I would notice if they were in the garden (all our fences are half height) and I think it's so important that people can have outdoor space if possible that it probably outweighs any lack of privacy. Fingers crossed you have understanding neighbours.

If the outside space is really that important to you then you should really try to find a property that already has it. When we are all living cheek by jowl, the limited privacy we do have becomes increasingly important. I don't want to be overlooked as I would be if neighbours built a roof terrace. It's not as if I'm doing a Kate Middleton, but I do want to be able to enjoy the tiny garden we have without somebody else looking in on us.


Southwark Council and the Planning Inspectorate (for appeals) have taken a very consistent line - if an application for a roof terrace would cause overlooking of neighbouring properties it is very unlikely to get the go-ahead. There's nothing to stop you putting in the application, but you can't expect your neighbours to be supportive - what would make your home more enjoyable, more valuable and easier to sell would have the opposite effect on their homes.

Planners tend to take the long term view when it comes to roof terraces and overlooking. So even if current neighbours don't object, future neighbours might.

If a terrace meant that you overlooked neighbours you're unlikely to get planning for it reagrdless if your neighbours didn't object...

We tried and a planning officer came over to say why we could not have one. The problem is the issue of overlooking others according to him. We suggested we would have tall walls of hedges so that we could not and also to provide added green spaces for wildlife - our design was primarily garden. The planning officer said even though it was "green" southwark was quite firmly against roof terraces and would not budge, the exception being in multi-occupancy flats where outdoor spaces were needed. We tried every angle to no avail. Also - another person on our street was forces to remove theirs. Alas.

Otto,


I imagine it is all about setting a precedent, because even if yours were allowed to go ahead and was screened and green, as you say, it would probably open up the territory for much less neighbour-friendly developments. .


I have to say that I think the skyline is being increasingly ruined by the number of appalling loft conversions that have been passed- stalinist mock-slate obelisks, atop humble terrace houses.

I undertake a lot of planning in Southwark and it will be a hard one to get through. That said I have seen in the past clever use of angled slats, obscured glazing, organic walls etc to obscure any view of neighbours gardens... this obviously still lets the light in but you cant oversea your neighbours. If you do want to give it a try then feel free to give me a buzz... Good luck, Mikail

We dealt with something similar a while back - the top of our house has balconies at the front and back, the back one overlooks neighbours' gardens, and the front one overlooks the road.


Southwark Planning originally took the view that neither balcony could be used at all other than for roof maintenance because of the same privacy concerns and issues. After a lot of discussions, it was agreed that the planning permission would note the back balcony couldn't be used other for maintenance (and if neighbours complained enforcement would follow). However there is no restriction on the front balcony, because we could show the areas overlooked could already be seen from other neighboring properties windows and partly from the road.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • I’m basing it on the fact that Jeremy Corbyn had repeatedly and on record said he is against mandatory vaccinations in any situation, and he wouldn’t disclose wether he had the Covid vaccine himself    as I said. Not as bad as his brother but very definitely a bit weird about the whole thing. Just say you had the vaccination Jeremy, say that everyone should and stop being weird in the middle of a global pandemic    it’s the same slippery evasive nonsense about Brexit and him. About Putin poisonings and him.     if you are happy with his evasiveness then you do you.  But there is a reason the country wouldn’t get behind him 
    • It was my understanding that Jeremy Corbyn was embarrassed by his brother and had distanced himself from his brother's views. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Why on earth should "the overall view of that family inform Jeremy's response to the pandemic"? What exactly are you basing that assumption on?
    • I guess it's best to do what most Brits do these days, keep your head down and say nothing! although that's probably why this country is in the mess it is today!  😞
    • @Dulwichway Absolutely - I'm in no way trying to say that what happened was life-changing. I've encountered way worse situations and think of myself as pretty tough, which is why I took them on and got pelted. I suppose I'm just taken aback because the park always seemed so safe. But the stats I've just posted contradict that.   I suppose the one of the points of this thread is to point out that they weren't just numpty youths - I'd bet money on some of them being involved in more serious criminality. And to tell others to be vigilant. 
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...