Anthony and Teresa Ralph described their project as a Marmite house: “people either love it or hate it!” By communicating with neighbours at the planning stage, they were able to overcome objections and create their dream abode
CHRIS SNOOK
Most self build projects are likely to include a degree of involvement with your neighbours. It could be at any stage — when going through your initial ideas, during the process of getting planning permission or even when you’re completing the works. Love them or hate them, the people next-door, and even beyond, can carry clout over what you build, how you do it, or even whether you can go ahead at all. So, let’s look at their main areas of influence, what you can do to get their support and how to minimise potential objections.