A homeowner in Wokingham has won permission to add a balcony to their property despite overlooking fears raised by their neighbour.
Owner Graham Ebers applied to add a balcony to his home at 24 Matthewsgreen Road, Wokingham.
But his neighbour John Gallagher, who lives next door at number 22, argued him and his family would be left with a serious loss of privacy and it would ‘feel a bit creepy’ going out into the garden if the balcony was given the go ahead.
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Mr Gallagher said: “Given the immediate proximity to our property, erection of a balcony would adversely impact our house through a substantial loss of privacy.
“The balcony would mean that people would be able to look down into our garden and patio space.
“We have three children that play in the garden regularly and when we asked them how they would feel if neighbours were able to watch them play, they said they feel embarrassed and it would put them off playing outside.
“We also feel that being watched whilst we have dinner outside, sunbathe and generally lounge about would feel a bit creepy (even if the intention wasn’t to watch).”
The plan for the balcony was discussed at Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee yesterday (Wednesday, November 10).
Although there is a degree of overlooking from number 24 to 22 already, which was demonstrated in a photo presented during the meeting, Mr Gallagher said the balcony would pose “a new overlooking issue”.
Currently, the occupants of number 24 can see number 22’s dining room, outdoor decking, and garden from the first floor rear-facing windows.
Mr Gallagher feared the balcony would give even greater views of his property. He asked the committee to either defer their decision for a site visit, or add a condition that would put obscure glass across the whole balcony.
However, the balcony was recommended for approval by planning officer Tariq Bailey-Biggs, on the condition that obscure glass must be used and permanently retained.
The planning committee felt that Mr Ebers and his family would have to exert effort to snoop on the Gallagher family if the balcony was built with the obscure glass.
Councillor Stephen Conway (Liberal Democrats, Twyford) said: “It looks to me quite difficult to see in [to the Gallagher house] without the conscious effort to lean over the balcony and look that way.”
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In a vote, only Cllr Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey (Liberal Democrats, Winnersh) chose to abstain.
The balcony will be made out of concrete supporting pillars, a fibreglass base, a front barrier made out of opaque wooden panels, and obscured privacy glass on the sides. New French doors will be added to give Mr Ebers and his family access.
You can view the approved plan by typing reference 212780 into Wokingham Borough Council’s planning portal here: https://planning.wokingham.gov.uk/FastWebPL/welcome.asp
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