A Scottish pensioner, Derek Adams, has expressed his frustration over a massive extension on his neighbor’s bungalow that he claims is “sitting on top of him.” The 67-year-old civil engineer, who has lived in his Paisley home for 28 years, feels overwhelmed by the construction, which has significantly altered the landscape of his backyard. Despite his objections to the Renfrewshire Council, the extension was approved, leaving Derek and his family feeling dwarfed by the towering structure.
The Overwhelming Extension
Derek Adams first noticed the overwhelming size of the extension when construction began earlier this year. The original bungalow, which already sat high, now stands about four meters higher than before. This drastic change has made Derek feel as though the building is encroaching on his personal space, especially when he steps into his backyard.
The extension includes a single-storey addition to the side of the neighbor’s home and a dormer to the front and rear. Derek argues that the dormer, which is 13 to 14 meters in length, is far from the “small, discrete additions” that the council’s requirements stipulate. Instead, it dominates the roof, effectively creating a new second storey.
Despite his frustration, Derek has tried to address the issue amicably with his neighbor. He emphasizes that his main concern is with the council’s handling of the situation, not with his neighbor. However, the lack of response from the authorities has left him feeling helpless and overshadowed by the construction.
Council’s Approval and Oversight
The approval process for the extension has been a point of contention for Derek. The initial planning application was submitted to Renfrewshire Council in 2021, and despite Derek’s objections, it was approved. In September 2022, a non-material variation (NMV) request was also approved, which included changes to the size and positioning of doors and windows on the extension and rear dormer.
Derek believes that the NMV request should not have been approved without notifying him, as it included an increase in the length of the dormer. He discovered this discrepancy after closely examining the plans and realizing that the changes were not adequately covered in the paperwork or the NMV description.
The council’s decision has left Derek feeling that his concerns were ignored. He has an email from the case officer confirming that the extension of the dormer was not included in the NMV, suggesting that the oversight was missed. This lack of transparency and communication has only added to Derek’s frustration and sense of injustice.
Impact on Daily Life
The massive extension has had a significant impact on Derek’s daily life. The towering structure looms over his backyard, making it feel cramped and overshadowed. The once open and airy space now feels confined, affecting the family’s enjoyment of their home.
Derek’s wife and daughter also feel the effects of the construction. The family has lived in their home for nearly three decades, and the sudden change has disrupted their sense of normalcy. The extension has not only altered the physical landscape but also the emotional atmosphere of their home.
Despite the challenges, Derek remains determined to seek a resolution. He continues to advocate for better communication and transparency from the council, hoping that his experience will lead to improved processes for future planning applications. For now, he and his family must navigate the daily reality of living in the shadow of their neighbor’s massive extension.
