Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Feb 18, 2014 6:13 pm Hi All, So yesterday we got a letter from another builder bascially informing us that our neighbours (behind) have exceeded their site allowance by 0.52% - they are asking for our objections/permissions prior to sending for council approval. I sent their proposal to my builder and asked them for advice, and they came back with: "XX have exceeded the site coverage by ½ of 1% (0.52%) which equates to approx. 2.6 square metres. I don’t see it a problem but if you do object then it will be up to XX to put in a justification as to why it should stay as is. I believe if they were to pull back their family room by ½ metre (500mm) then they would save approx. 2.6 square metres but would this make much of a difference on your side of the home? My opinion, not much, although it is their alfresco/entertaining area." Their alfresco would be closer to our block basically. My OH is REALLY against this and basically is taking the standpoint of, "we all have the same rules, they need to just cut back a bit, we also had to sacrifice space to fit with requirements, so they can too!" I just want to know if anyone else has experienced this, and should we just say its fine or object? I dont want to be obstructive just for the sake of it, but why should we compromise our privacy because they want more space? And if it doesnt effect us in the slightest, why do they need our permission? Any advice appriciated. Thanks! Re: Neighbours Exceed site allowance - opinions please. 2Feb 18, 2014 6:33 pm 1/2 a metre closer to your block for their alfresco space is really negligible... I can understand the "we played by the rules, so should they" feeling, It does irk you a bit, but in the scheme of things, objecting just on principle isn't really a neighbourly thing to do in my opinion. Legally they do have to ask due to exceeding the building envelope, but if it were me - based on what you've said & what the implications are - I'd let it happen if it were me. Good neighbourly relations are invaluable, I've seen some terrible disputes over nothing and people holding on to just being right, rather than if it REALLY bothers them or not. You never know when you may need them to return the favour for something or when you may need their help for something. Having said that if you really object to it, object. But if it's just on principle alone, ask yourself if it's really worth it in the long run. Re: Neighbours Exceed site allowance - opinions please. 3Feb 18, 2014 7:12 pm I actually kind of agree with you deluxes. I feel like later down the line when it comes to possible fencing issues etc, we dont want to burn our bridges just for the sake of it. It does annoy me when I think that the majority of us compromise a little to make things fit, so why didnt they, but as its not a major issue...i think you might be right about picking my battles... Re: Neighbours Exceed site allowance - opinions please. 4Feb 18, 2014 8:06 pm It's totally natural for you to be a bit put out... I would be! I be thinking "jeez, play by the rules". But, these issues can get out of hand so quickly, you can so easily lose sight of the problem and it becomes WW3. We had a neighbour who basically went to war with their neighbour over the back over a screws in adjoining wall (they'd screwed a trellis to his shed wall which was on the rear boundary). How he even knew it was there is beyond me, but lawyers got involved... He said they should have asked. Maybe, but they saw that side as theirs etc. but in the end he admitted it didn't really bother his shed wall, but feels they should have checked & decided to get a lawyer involved to get the thing pulled down as a matter of principle. They then got incensed over him getting worked up and fought back equally as hard. It was a nightmare for both, we had to hear about it during a BBQ & were just shocked how easily it blew up. Anyway! That was an extreme case, and it's ok to not want something to go ahead if you have valid reasons to object. But if you decide that the extra closeness isn't an issue & it it's only on principle, then it may be some unnecessary bad blood you can avoid. Thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=66299 Slab: 16/6/14 Frame: 4/7/14 Roof: 22/7/14 Lock Up: 20/8/14 Fixing: 26/8/14 PCI: 9/10/14 Handover: 20/10/14 Re: Neighbours Exceed site allowance - opinions please. 5Feb 18, 2014 9:35 pm I agree with what's been said but you also need to ensure that you're not just seen as a pushover. You can come across as a bit odd but just raising the issue and getting them to explain why they did it before you say you're ok with it can be enough for them to know you'll stand your ground if the situation calls for it. http://camdenbuild.blogspot.com.au/ by invite only please pm me Re: Neighbours Exceed site allowance - opinions please. 6Feb 24, 2014 1:51 pm Thanks for input guys! We sent it back agreeing, however we did write a lengthly note in the comments section, just stating that we hope later down the track we can come to some arrangement re: hightening fences and stuff. It was very polite, but re-inforced the point we arnt exactley thrilled. Re: Neighbours Exceed site allowance - opinions please. 7Feb 24, 2014 2:16 pm My building exceeded the envelope but all neighbours agreed as it was minor. A lot of the ratios are subject to variation and the back neighbours would be the least of my concern. Having good neighbourly relations is worth more. My mothers house is on a large block and about 13 houses adjoining her block. She is in her late 70s and the neighbours all look out for each other. The little amount will make no diff Ciao Mark Re: Neighbours Exceed site allowance - opinions please. 8Feb 26, 2014 12:07 pm Thanks Mark, feel better about not making a scene now. Re: Neighbours Exceed site allowance - opinions please. 9Feb 26, 2014 11:29 pm Good to hear Laura. Think positive thoughts as these things can suck the life out of you and it's not what's important. Re: Neighbours Exceed site allowance - opinions please. 10Feb 27, 2014 6:36 am I would put my foot down and say you reserve the right to use their barbecue occasionally and equally they can use yours, with the families of both homeowners in attendance of course... Ed "ECOECO" At 'EcoEco', we design windows, we design the best windows, we do it for you, so that when you’re happy we are happy. Tel. 1800 326 326 it depends on the natural ground level, if they excavated their boundary wall needed to be built as a retaining wall. If you filled, which sounds like the case then you… 1 5047 The only thing to add to these comments is that where possible it's always good to try and work with people than just say "no" because you can. Having someone… 4 13417 |