Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Sep 14, 2010 4:05 pm G'day all I live in the sunny QLD (Brisbane) and my house and I have enjoyed our privacy but now there are 18 X 2 story units going up in the lot next door 3 will back onto my property side boundary and I dont feel to comfy with this currently lots of trees! from the plans, I see 6 windows, (3 identical units) I understand 3 are bathrooms and will be screened, the other 3 are bedroom windows I contacted the council, got a call back only to be told its just the small room window and they couldnt see what the fuss was about..... so now I need to submit something in writing I have only a few days left to submit an objection to see if they will cover off any concerns, this is all new to me I also have concerns with termites, but the council are not interested any advise would be greatly appreciated! Tro Re: Privacy concerns 2Sep 14, 2010 4:33 pm I suggest that you submit a written objection. I possibly have a similar problem in Vic. I need to do some research into how to word an objection to ensure that it gets addressed. A member of my family had a small redevelopement stopped dead by neighbours objections. Doesn't always work but it concerns me how developers seem to often be able to impose inappropriate developments on existing residents. Good luck Re: Privacy concerns 3Sep 15, 2010 8:35 am This is what I have drafed up so far Objection to Application #: ********* To ******** City Council Planning I have concerns if proposed development goes ahead as per the plans in application ********** My main concerns are: 1) I will lose my privacy because it seems I will have 3 second story bedrooms with windows overlooking my back yard, (and also my neighbours) we eat regularly outside and enjoy a lot of outdoor living and feel this will impact us and our way of living, this is a direct invasion of privacy 2) This will also in my opinion decrease the value of my land if I feel the need to move because of the proposed developments, in a market that is not favourable at this point 3) If construction goes a head, I also have major concerns over the spread of termites onto my property; this would incur costs that I otherwise wouldn’t have to fork out for Not sure how this all works, but I am very interested in finding out more, I will also be seeking advice if my concerns are not covered off to my satisfaction I do understand you have guidelines and regularities under state and federal legislation when it comes to considering neighbouring properties privacy Can the windows be at such a height that no one can look down or see in i.e. 1.5m from the floor to the bottom ledge and screened, this will still allow for adequate lighting? (Highline style) or a privacy screen If you feel my concerns are not warranted, can you please provide me with the QLD building regulations and point out the relevant sections? I also understand that your group is responsible for planning, and that my concerns with termites may have to be dealt with at a later date with the relevant construction company So I will do some more research today and try to find someone with relevant knowledge, I dont think im asking too much, this could effect my 2 teenage girls more then myself! Tro Re: Privacy concerns 4Sep 15, 2010 8:53 am Im not sure you can object on the grounds of termites as wouldnt they be a problem whatever was built next door - and you can hardly object to them building anything at all. However your lettter is well written and addresses the specific concerns clearly and rationally and suggesting options acceptable to you - so that they could request the construction be made with highline windows on overlooking bedrooms, that seems a very reasonable compromise to me. Good luck with it. And, yes, councils do take these requests into consideration - my mum lives in the semi bush of the Adelaide Hills and she objected to a house which was planned to have blue render, saying that although it was possibly suited to a beach suburb, it was not in keeping with the environment of the area. Council upheld the objection and asked owners to re-submit more suitable colour scheme. Different issue, I know - but objecting in writing is worth doing. Re: Privacy concerns 5Sep 15, 2010 9:19 am For an objection to be noted is has to address certain criteria which each council planning office has. You can't just object because you don't like it. Criteria would be around shadowing zones, size of windows, what kind of rooms face you e.g. Bathroom vs. Living e.t.c Parking can also be used if warranted. You next approach should be to understand what your council will accept. Re: Privacy concerns 6Sep 15, 2010 9:37 am Highline windows sounds like a good idea, keeping everyone happy. That's what we will have in our new house. Where I'm staying now the developers have totally ignored privacy, putting big windows at the rear of the house in each bedroom. The bedroom windows overlook our neighbour's backyards, as well as several other houses down the road, and we can also see into about 10-20 bedroom windows from our bedrooms. It's irritating knowing I can be seen picking my nose whenever the window is open Metricon Riva 33 - http://herlihy-riva.blogspot.com Site start 15/03/2010 - Handover 23/12/2010 9 months and 8 days (284 calendar days) from site start to handover Re: Privacy concerns 7Sep 15, 2010 10:34 am Thanks guys! Its all new to me, but privacy was the main factor when I bought the house... also finding out about termites, the builders to have obligations under the Aus building code to control termites, buts a little grey ... and i believe once they cross over into my property .. its probably all my problem! At this stage, all I can do is question my concerns and hope I get helpful information Termite protection is expensive, but if I sell up and move on .. I lose 10k anyways ... I will be dropping this into the council in a few hours, at the very least I have been asured I will be kept well informed Thanks for all your advise! Tro Re: Privacy concerns 8Sep 15, 2010 11:40 am Hi Tro, For what it's worth, speak to your other neighbours and see if you can lodge similar complaints, my mum had a similar experience in the past where all the existing neighbours teamed up and all wrote letters to the council, that sure got the attention of the council quick smart and the plans were forced to be changed. Good luck Thanks for all replies. I just noticed now the pictures I added to post right on top of page were wrong. I attached pictures showing "current" and my "suggested" floor… 9 14644 Regardless of wall hung toilet or floor pan toilet your feet will be right on drain, seems to me the waste should not be in that location given the design. Also are you… 6 7042 Hi guys We have just removed a very large grape vine which was mounted to a structure along this wall. This is a shared wall with our neighbour, and after removal, we… 0 3954 |