Anyone can object to a planning application. I could object to Joe Bloggs in Manchester doing his extension if I really wanted to. Any reason can submitted when objecting to a planning application.

The key consideration is whether or not the objection is valid. Valid reasons for objecting include: loss of privacy, loss of daylight, visual impact or detrimental impact. An invalid objection would be someone objecting because they didn’t like the colour of bricks, concerns about drainage, party wall issues, noise of building works or simply not liking your neighbour.

We would always recommend speaking to neighbours before a planning application is submitted. The reason being that your neighbours will receive a letter from the council’s planning department letting them know an application has been submitted and they can make comments. Having a discussion before they receive this letter can alleviate any concerns and stop objections being submitted.

Further details on how and when to object to a planning application can be found here.