What is Overlooking and what is Overdevelopment?

Overlooking

Designs that might infringe on your neighbors’ privacy often face significant scrutiny. Balconies, roof gardens, upstairs conservatories, and side-facing windows are frequently challenged. In urban and suburban areas of London, creating a design that avoids overlooking a neighbor’s property can be challenging.

One effective solution is to use low roof slopes for extensions, creating ‘loft rooms’ with skylight windows. These windows look out harmlessly into the sky. Alternatively, consider installing obscured glazing in bathrooms. This method ensures privacy while still allowing natural light to enter.

Overdevelopment

In densely built urban areas around London, plot sizes are often small. Extending a house might reduce the available garden space significantly. Planners will assess whether your plans leave adequate amenity space. If not, your project might be viewed as ‘overdevelopment.’

To address potential concerns, provide evidence of similar local projects that received approval. This evidence can support your case and demonstrate that your plans align with local development standards.