Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)·Page 332·B28
Privacy Protection in Residential Extensions
Privacy of residential occupants must be protected, particularly where extensions or alterations are proposed adjacent to existing properties. Various features like balconies, roof terraces, dormer windows and conservatories can cause overlooking problems and should use measures such as obscure glass or high-level windows to minimize impact, though this is not acceptable for main room windows.
Except in the most isolated rural location, few households can claim not to be overlooked to some degree. The protection of the privacy of the occupants of residential properties is an important element of the quality of a residential environment. It is a particularly important consideration where an extension or alteration is proposed adjacent to existing properties. Balconies, roof terraces, decking, dormer windows, windows in side elevations and conservatories all have the potential to cause overlooking problems, due to their position and orientation, particularly from upper windows. The use of obscure glass, velux windows and high-level windows in appropriate circumstances can often minimise this potential, for example, the use of obscure glass for bathroom and landing windows. However, this is not considered an acceptable solution for windows serving main rooms such as bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms or kitchens.
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