When it comes to the built environment, no one likes change. It seems we want the world to stand still while we upgrade clothes, technology and cars. But don’t change your house next to me.
It’s a mystery why some changes are welcomed, even demanded, while others we find upsetting.
I tell my clients to expect their neighbours to be worried and upset when you are building or renovating. It seems to be natural and universal. What are we worried about?
Yes, there will be noise, dust and more traffic in the street. But that upgraded house will add value to the street. You might get a new common fence to replace the existing dilapidated one. You might get a newly painted neighbour to look at – no more peeling paint and rotting weatherboards. Stormwater may stop running through your property.
On one project, the site was run down and overgrown and probably home to rats. The neighbours wrote to the council complaining about its state but as soon as the property was cleared and building started the neighbours got involved and objected to the new development.
If the homeowner has a Resource and a Building consent what they do on their site is none of your business – as long as they adhere to those consents. If they depart from the consents, you are within your rights to call the council.
If the neighbour wants to or needs to break one of the planning rules they will need your agreement to it. Before you object, think of the upside for you. Maybe it’s only a small non-compliance having a minor effect on you, but a major effect on the neighbour’s house planning.
And homeowners building or renovating should expect the neighbours to be upset and not react with indignation and hostility.
So, when your neighbour begins a project, look at the advantages, rather than having the knee jerk reaction of trying to get involved or stopping it.
paul@leuschkekahn.co.nz
021 894 895
leuschkekahn.co.nz
