DC Casebook: Housing Conversion - Overlooking rules out water tower flats

Planning, 16 May 2008

The grade II* listed stone structure had been completed in 1854 and stood 16.5m high. The nearest house lay 48m from the tower. It is generally accepted that two-storey dwellings on level ground should be about 21m apart, the inspector noted. However, he accepted that the circumstances before him were entirely different and so standard separation distances were irrelevant.

He observed that views of the outdoor amenity area at the neighbouring dwelling would be obtained from patio doors in the first floor of the converted tower and from four living rooms in the apartments above. He considered that while views into a neighbouring garden from one living room might be acceptable, views from five would be excessive.

While recognising that the buildings were some distance apart, he was concerned about the potential for persistent overlooking and significant loss of privacy in the outdoor amenity area at the neighbouring house. The feeling that overlooking could occur from any of the five apartments would adversely affect use of this space, he concluded.

DCS Number 100-054-624

Inspector John Braithwaite; Written representations.