Pain in the glass! Neighbours at war after couple builds 10ft 'church' window ... trends now
Neighbors in a quaint market town are at war after a couple built a 10ft 'church-style' window that looks right into the bedroom of the family next door.
Mark Waddilove, 62, and his partner Helen Fitt, 49, received few complaints after they applied for planning permission for the huge widow on the first floor of their home in Wimbourne, Dorset
But once the window was put in for the calming room - where Miss Fitt planned to do her yoga - the complaints from neighbours - who dubbed it a 'monstrosity' - soon arrived with many upset the new installation allowed the couple to see into their properties.
Rob Langdown, a church celebrant, and his wife Margaret said the new window looks right into their bedroom - and that they were blindsided by the development, accusing officials of failing to put up planning notices in their road ahead of granting it permission.
The married couple added that they would have objected to the development on the grounds of it breaching their privacy and being out of touch with the area if they were aware of it.
Wimbourne residents Tim and Deborah James, who live next door, complained that as well as overlooking their property, the development has blocked out sunlight into their back garden.
Mark Waddilove and Helen Fitt (pictured) didn't receive many complaints after they launched planning permission for the window
Rob Langdown, a church celebrant, and his wife Margaret pictured with their cats
Neighbours dubbed the giant window a 'monstrosity'
The James' also say Mr Waddilove and Miss Fitt have sent them legal letters about giving access to their property while the work is carried out.
Both sets of homeowners have branded the extension a 'monstrosity' and fear it has reduced the value of their properties. They also slammed Dorset Council for allowing it to go ahead.
The local authority said it stands by its decision to grant planning consent for the extension to the back of the semi-detached house in the pretty market town of Wimborne Minster.
It is the second similar case where council planners have faced criticism over a controversial development that overlooks neighbouring homes in recent months.
In nearby Corfe Mullen, Terry Selby has taken his case to the Local Government Ombudsman.
He and wife Margaret were shocked when permission was granted to replace their nextdoor neighbours' bungalow with a two-storey building that now towers over their home.
Mr Selby believes Dorset Council made a 'massive mistake' and partly blames the work from home culture for a lack of cohesion that led to the decision.
In Colehill, Mr Langdown also believes the council has made a mistake. He said: 'We were not informed of this planning application.
'A notice went up in our cul-de-sac but not in the private lane where the three bungalows most directly affected by this extension are.
'They could have posted us a letter, there are only three houses. But we didn't
