London Mother Furious Over Neighbour's Five-Bedroom House Inches From Garden
A mother in south east London has been left furious after her new neighbours were granted permission to build a five-bedroom house just inches from her garden boundary. Lorie Williams, 47, fears the imposing property will knock hundreds of thousands of pounds off the value of her seven-bedroom Victorian home, which is worth approximately £2.5 million in Bromley.
Privacy and Value Concerns Mount
Williams expressed deep concerns that her family will lose all sense of privacy, making them feel like they live in a goldfish bowl. She told the Daily Mail, It's insane. Who on earth would think it's the right place for a five-bedroom detached house? She added, We will lose all of our privacy. It's ugly. It just does not fit in to this area at all. I think it's terrible.
The development, approved in November, will be designed by an architect who plans to live there with his family. Williams worries that the noise from the construction site will be unbearable and that the new house will block light and views permanently. We didn't sign up to live next to what will be a building site. It's in totally the wrong area, she stated.
Developer Responds to Objections
Justin Laurence, the developer behind the project, argued that Williams would not lose her privacy. He said, A serious amount of care has gone into this project. We have worked with the council at every stage. The issues have been dealt with by the planning department. A lot of time and effort has gone into dealing with the objections and permission has been granted.
This controversy follows Williams's recent restoration of her own home, which increased its value significantly. She now fears the new development will undo that work, potentially reducing her property's worth. We're thinking what was the point? It would take a large amount from the value of ours. We've thought about moving. That was never part of the plan, she lamented.
Neighbourhood Opposition Grows
Williams is not alone in her objections. Another neighbour, Diane Sue, 61, whose home also overlooks the development, believes it is unnecessary. Sue said, We all oppose this. I do not think that plot of land is suitable for a five-bedroom house. It's a real shame. Williams echoed this sentiment, noting, Every resident has objected.
She criticized the project as profit-driven, saying, All of this is for profit. It really just makes me think we're going to lose any piece of land for new homes. Williams described the planned house as very imposing and argued that the small plot cannot accommodate such a large property, which she believes will create pollution and disrupt the area's character.
