Can My Neighbour Stop Me Building an Extension?
Understanding your rights when building near a boundary.
The Short Answer
In most cases, no – your neighbour cannot simply stop you from building an extension. However, they do have certain rights depending on where you're building and how close to the boundary your work will be.
Planning Permission
When you apply for planning permission, neighbours are consulted and can submit objections. However, the local planning authority makes the decision based on planning policy – neighbour objections don't automatically result in refusal.
Common planning concerns include:
- Loss of light to habitable rooms
- Overbearing impact or sense of enclosure
- Overlooking and loss of privacy
- Design that's out of character with the area
Many smaller extensions can be built under permitted development rights, which don't require full planning permission (though neighbour consultation may still apply for larger rear extensions under the prior approval process).
Party Wall Notices
If your extension affects a shared boundary wall, or involves excavation near your neighbour's foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.
Under this Act, you must serve notice on your neighbour before starting work. They can:
- Consent – allowing work to proceed
- Dissent – triggering the appointment of surveyors to agree a Party Wall Award
Important: Dissenting doesn't mean they can stop the work. It means the process moves to surveyors who will set out how the work can proceed safely and fairly.
When Neighbours Have More Say
There are some situations where neighbours have more influence:
- Restrictive covenants – Some properties have legal restrictions on what can be built. These are private matters between landowners, not planning issues.
- Shared access or rights of way – If your extension affects access that neighbours have rights to use, they may be able to object.
- Listed buildings and conservation areas – These have additional protections that may give greater weight to objections about character and appearance.
Practical Advice
- Talk to your neighbours early. Most disputes arise from poor communication. Sharing your plans before you submit planning applications often prevents problems later.
- Serve party wall notices promptly. Don't wait until you're ready to start building – the notice process takes time, and delays are frustrating for everyone.
- Keep records. Document the condition of your neighbour's property before work starts, even if they consent informally.
What to Do Next
If you're planning an extension and want to understand your obligations, get in touch. We can advise on structural requirements and, where needed, handle party wall matters.