Neighbours taking photos of building work in garden (and extension too big!)

[Machine81]

I have a couple of queries I would appreciate some advice on...

Firstly, on a daily basis our neighbours are taking photos of our builders and the building work in our garden (from their own garden) - are they allowed to do this?

Also, our planning permission was for a 3m extension (semi detached) but the Builder's gone to 3.3m... I know PD is now 6m, so do I need to be worried?

thanks in advance!

[des8]

If you are building under Permitted Development rights extensions over 3 metres are subject to the neighbour consultation scheme.
If they weren't consulted they might start making waves, hence possibly the photographs.
There is nothing you can do to stop them taking photographs

If the builder built beyond the dimensions on the plans, (for which you have planning permission and are not extending under permitted development rights) without your authority he will probably be the one with problems

[Machine81]

Thanks - but if we've literally gone over by 15-20cm what can actually happen? Could we be forced to demolish and rebuild back to 3m exactly?

[des8]

If the rules have been broken, yes you could be forced to demolish and start again

However very unlikely for such a small infraction

You might need to apply for retrospective approval from the planning office for the change to the plans.
I would suggest a word with the planning officer to see what they say.
It will be better coming from you rather than your neighbour (if they are likely to notice the discrepancy)

[CarolynKing]

If it is not illegal in your region/country to take photos of the area or surroundings, then it is perfectly legal. Many photos taken for no reason go to depositphotos from where people can take them or view them. Another thing is if your neighbours are aware of the perimeter violation, they can use the photos to prove their action as legitimate. That is, they can see that you have permission for a 3m extension and you are doing 0.3m more and it is noticeable. But in size you have almost 11 instead of 9 PD, so it's probably something to worry about. If you find it difficult to talk to your neighbours, of course you will not sleep well at night.