Rowville homeowners ‘under siege’ with construction of two-storey house overlooking their yard

Rowville homeowners say they are “under siege” from a two-storey development next door that’s invading their privacy.

A ROWVILLE couple say they are “under siege” from a two-storey home next door that’s invading their privacy.

The house in Trevena Close features a large balcony overlooking their backyard and windows that peer into their lounge.

The property is still under construction but Melanie and Ronald Drewett said they were worried the upstairs windows weren’t frosted and the balcony doesn’t have a privacy screen.

They were concerned even if a screen was installed it may not be tall enough to block their new neighbours staring down at them.

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Mrs Drewett said they had lived there 33 years and the past few months of building works had caused her “a lot of stress and anxiety”.

Melanie Drewett and Ronald Drewett are unhappy with the designs of newly constructed two storey house next door.

She said they had spent a huge amount of time and effort trying to object to the designs, but were told because it complied with building regulations there was effectively nothing they could do.

“We’re quite upset and appalled,” she said. “It’s like being under siege.”

Mr Drewett said he believed many others would be facing similar privacy issues as more two-storey homes and townhouses pop up across Knox.

“They know it’s going to upset the neighbours,” he said. “But they do it any way and there’s nothing you can do. It’s frustrating.”

The large balcony overlooks the Drewett family’s backyard and looks into their lounge and kitchen.

Building surveyor Group Four manager David Madeira said in a statement the specifications of the Trevena Close house complied with the building legislation.

He said privacy screening may be installed at a later stage.

The Victorian Building Authority said there are no provisions in building legislation for mandatory consultation or disclosure of details of any proposed building work unless the work requires report and consent from the council or protection work.

The Drewetts say the new building will lead to a loss of privacy in their backyard.

Knox councillor Tony Holland said he sympathised with the Drewett family and said there needed to be better scope for notifying neighbours of building permits and plans.

“I think there should be some entitlement to at least view the plans,” he said.

“I wouldn’t be happy if someone did that next door to me.”

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