When you’re looking to build a new house (particularly on an infill or backland plot), extend or convert a property, you must always consider how the new structure will impact your own and your neighbours’ privacy. But sometimes a degree of overlooking seems inevitable, so what are the best ways to overcome this issue and
The post How to Deal with Privacy & Overlooking Planning Rules When Designing Your Home appeared first on Build It.
When you’re looking to build a new house (particularly on an infill or backland plot), extend or convert a property, you must always consider how the new structure will impact your own and your neighbours’ privacy.
But sometimes a degree of overlooking seems inevitable, so what are the best ways to overcome this issue and are there any overlooking planning rules? Overlooking neighbours is one of those planning considerations that gets lumped under the general heading of ‘residential amenity’.
Privacy is something councils’ policies aim to protect, although the wording and level of detail varies a good deal between different authorities. Here, we’re taking a look at how privacy and overlooking could impact your project or self build home and how to factor these issues into your design.
Jump to
- What to consider
- Orientation, layout & levels
- Responding to the site
- Glazing & privacy
- External design features
- Landscaping & overlooking
- Smart home integration
- Communicating with neighbours
Which areas do you need to be mindful of when considering privacy?
Views from windows, balconies and raised decking or patios into the living spaces of a neighbouring property, both inside and outside the house, are the main concerns. However, there are no fixed standards or Building Regulations for windows overlooking neighbours. What is or isn’t an unacceptable impact will vary, and much depends on the density and pattern of housing in the area, plus the degree of privacy that the neighbouring houses currently enjoy.
For example, in close-knit urban situations, householders tend to have much lower levels of privacy than in the more spacious suburbs. As a general rule, front-facing windows and gardens don’t have as much privacy than the back, as they’re often overlooked from the street anyway. When you’re analysing the potential suitability of a plot or contemplating an extension, it’s vital to take into account the privacy of neighbouring properties.
Designed by AR Design Studio, this unique home features an upside-down layout. This decision cleverly enables access to views of the nearby harbour while avoiding unwanted onlookers from a public footpath below. Photo: Martin Gardner
If they have windows that are facing your plot, what rooms are they in? A living room, kitchen or bedroom is more significant in privacy terms than a hallway or landing, for instance. If you’re extending, are any windows that might be affected by the new structure already overlooked from your house anyway?
Outside, a neighbouring patio area, hot tub or swimming pool would be particularly sensitive to having views across from your house, unless privacy was already compromised. For instance, with terraced and semi-detached houses, there is always a degree of overlooking of neighbour’s gardens from rear windows.
If you’re unsure of the layout of next door’s house you might be able to get details from the council’s planning records. Alternatively, a friendly visit to introduce yourself as a potential new neighbour/to discuss the extension you’re planning might prove helpful.
The post How to Deal with Privacy & Overlooking Planning Rules When Designing Your Home appeared first on Build It.