Knox homeowners say loss of privacy growing issue

A BORONIA man who is afraid to use his pool because of neighbours peering down at him is one of a growing number of Knox homeowners rallying against their loss of privacy.

A BORONIA man who is afraid to use his pool because of neighbours peering down at him is one of a growing number of Knox homeowners rallying against their loss of privacy.

Fed-up residents are raising concerns developments next door are ruining their ability to enjoy their backyards.

ROWVILLE HOMEOWNERS ‘UNDER SIEGE’

JAMES PENLIDIS CONTINUES NAKED PROTEST

NAKED STUNT EXPOSES PRIVACY ISSUES

And they fear it will become an increasingly common issue as more subdivisions and multistorey townhouses spring up across Knox.

Multiple people have contacted Knox Leader sharing stories similar to Rowville’s Melanie and Ronald Drewett, who are facing a balcony battle with their new neighbours.

Pensioner Alexander Sloan said he was dealing with a “nightmare” situation with a two-storey house next to his in Penrith St, Boronia.

Alexander Sloan unhappy with the rear building with one uncovered window overlooking his pool. Picture: Hamish Blair

Mr Sloan said he and his wife Angelina haven’t been able to use their pool for three years.

The top floor of the home has two windows looking down into their yard and pool.

Mr Sloan said after many complaints, he had some success convincing the neighbours to put up a strip of wooden railings as a privacy screen covering half a window. But he said he was still angry they could see through, and that the other window was left uncovered.

“The grandkids don’t come round any more. We used to have quite a lot of barbecues, that’s all sort of gone to a standstill,” he said.

“It’s destroyed our life since it started.”

Rowville’s Robyn Ross is equally worried about a row of three townhouses being built on Stud Rd, next to the home she has lived in for 50 years.

Robyn Ross fears she will lose all privacy in her yard. Picture: Hamish Blair

There are three townhouses under construction next to Mrs Ross’ home. Picture: Hamish Blair.

The ground floor of the rear unit is the same height as the top of her backyard fence and there are a number of windows in all three properties providing views directly into her home.

Mrs Ross said the two-storey units would be “towering over” her yard.

She said she and other neighbours were repeatedly told that because it ticked all the boxes there was nothing they could do to protest.

“I now have absolutely no private open space in my BBQ area,” she said.

She said her situation was a cautionary tale and she warned others to take all possible steps to check if the building going up next door would invade their privacy.

“This will keep happening because the developers don’t care, the council doesn’t seem to care,” she said.

“My advice would be fight back, dig in your heels.”

Knox Council’s city development director Julia Oxley said “the council completely understands the concerns of, and empathises with, people who may feel that their privacy has been impacted upon by a new development”.

Regulations for privacy for planning and building permits are the responsibility of the State Government and are implemented through the relevant planning scheme or Building Regulations.

Ms Oxley said the regulations do not eliminate the potential for overlooking but require screening in certain circumstances.

“In the council’s experience the application of the regulations does not always meet the expectations of residents,” she said.

She said the council encouraged builders and developers to discuss their plans with neighbours at the earliest possible stage.

Victorian Building Authority communications manager Karen Lyon said in a statement the authority “encourages property owners wanting to build or develop, to be considerate of their neighbours and make them aware of their building plans to avoid disputes”.

“However, unless a proposed development requires consent from a council or protections work for adjoining neighbours, there are no provisions in the building legislation for mandatory consultation or any disclosure of details.”

She said adjoining neighbour can contact the building surveyor, builder or owner to discuss what is happening and make agreements.

“However, if the work is compliant, there is no legal requirements for an owner to agree to releasing information or making amendments.”