‘It’s like a MORGUE,’ say disgusted neighbours furious at ‘out of place’ house in ‘wrong colour ruining their street’

THERE’S nothing worst than moving into a new home only to realise you’ve moved next door to the neighbours from hell.

These Brits found themselves in arguments with their street over anything from wildly decorated gardens to flouted planning rules.

Here’s a few of the best:

‘EYESORE’ DINOSAUR

A DAD’S efforts to keep his son happy left his neighbours fuming after he installed a 10ft T-Rex model in his front garden.

It was made worse by the luminous blue shipping container it was placed on top of.

“Why on earth can’t he plant a bed of daffs (daffodils) in his front garden, like anyone else would?” one neighbour asked.

“Even a few garden gnomes would look better.

“I mean, let’s be honest, it’s not really appropriate for a garden in Bristol.”

HELMET TREE

AN OAP has vowed to next chop down his 30ft tree even after neighbours slammed the helmet-shaped greenery.

Peter Davis, 72, says his massive cedar dubbed ‘The Big Fella’ has been the talking point of the Norfolk town for decades.

And while many love it – and tourists stop to snap pics – some think it’s an eyesore.

That’s because the tree in Wymondham has been chopped so vehicles driving by don’t hit it – and it now looks like a massive helmet.

Peter, a former company director, said: ”The tree has become part of the local landscape – everybody knows about it – especially bus drivers who have to avoid it.”

CHAPEL WINDOW

HOMEOWNERS were embroiled in a row over a “church-like” window included in a neighbours extension.

The 10ft high first-floor window looks straight into their neighbours’ properties.

Plans show it will be for Mark Waddilove and Helen Fitt’s new master bedroom suite. Miss Fitt is said to have told neighbours in Colehill, Wimborne, Dorset, she plans to practice her yoga there.

But residents Rob and Margaret Langdown say they were blindsided by the development and have accused officials of failing to put up planning notices in their road ahead of granting it permission.

EXTENSIONS are a great way to improve your home and save money – as building out is often cheaper than moving.

But any building works can quickly create problems with your neighbours if you don’t stick to the rules.

Andrew Cann, director of Planning Direct, a planning consultancy based in the East of England, said there are ways to appeal if your initial application for an extension is rejected.

Here’s what you need to know:

How do you actually appeal?

In order to appeal, you’ll need to prepare a Statement of Case.

This is a document setting out why you believe the extension should be granted in planning policy terms – an expert can help you with this, but they will charge.

This is sent along with an appeal form to the Planning Inspectorate.

This is a government body independent of your local council, which will check whether the planning authority which refused you was correct to do so.

There is normally no fee to submit a planning appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

The main cost is the fee you’ll need to give a consultant or solicitor to prepare and manage it on your behalf – the amount will depend on the case.

How do I win my appeal?

The truth is, there is no guarantee to winning your appeal – and you should be wary of any solicitor or consultant that promises you a victory.

“Any one consultant who says an appeal will definitely be won should be avoided” said Andrew.

That said, there are some tips that can help you on your way to a win.

“Take a look around – if other nearby homeowners have made similar changes, the chances are you will win,” said Andrew.

Another thing to look out for is that your application may have been refused on a technicality or just because of a missing detail.

“Sometimes it is worth re-applying with a modified version if the council only wants small changes. A re-application is free within a year of the first refusal,” said Andrew.

But if an appeal is mishandled and refused this can “blight” the property and you will not get permission in future.

There are some challenges when you are looking to appeal.

You must establish that the extension complies with local planning policy and importantly does not harm others.

IF a new or existing structure is blocking light from entering your home, you have a right to challenge it.

The first thing you should do is have a word with your neighbour – they might not realise the impact it has on your home.

If they’re unwilling to reach an agreement, you have the right to take legal action – but bear in mind that this can be expensive.

First you could try a mediation service, which acts as a neutral third-party to help opposing sides find a compromise.

RICS has set up a Neighbour Disputes Service to negotiate agreements between homeowners.

If you decide to take further action, you’ll need to hire a professional right to light specialist who can assess the impact of the development.

If you raise the issue before construction starts, the need for natural light can be taken into account and avoid court action and solicitors.

But even if building work is finished, neighbouring homeowners can raise a right to light claim for compensation or alterations, so long as evidence is submitted.

If it gets as far as the courts judges can award either financial compensation or order alterations to restore natural light.

The amount of compensation available will vary depending on the situation.