Hello
I'm sure you're out there Ed and can help me with this, or anyone else who has some knowledge or experience on the topic.
Here's our dilemna. Whilst we were away for 2 years and 2 months waiting for our house to be built, a developer pruchased the house behind us, demolished and put up 2 x 2 storey townhouses. We got the planning permit and objected to the overlooking. The rooms overlooking our backyard and into the back of our house were bedrooms and a retreat. Two of the bedrooms in the plan stated they had obscure glass. The Council also required the other two windows to be "screened". The thing is even though they have obscure glass you can see clearly into the windows. A trade was hanging the blinds the other day and you could see him clearly, so to me that means they can still see directly into our property. I am following this up with Council but can't seem to get some answers to certain questions so was hoping I might here. My questions are:
1. Is there a standard in regards to obscure glass and overlooking? Is there such a thing as an obscurity level in terms of how much view it needs to block out.
2. What does the term "screening actually mean"? Does is just mean obscure glass or does it mean some kind of screen that has to go over the windows?
I just don't understand the point of having obscure glass to stop overlooking if there is a clear view through the glass. It seems pointless.
Any advice much appreciated.