A pensioner says an extension being built to her neighbour’s house is ruining her cottage.

Marilyn Hawkins, who lives in Barnet Gate Lane, says the extension will block light to her house and spoil her view – but she did not realise what effect it would have when the planning application was submitted in 2016.

Ms Hawkins, who is 66 and has multiple sclerosis, said the situation was causing her stress – and that is bad for her condition.

She said: “One of the things concerning me is lack of light. It will block off light to my kitchen. I think it is going to mean I will have to have the light on in the kitchen all the time.

“The party wall surveyor gave me the impression I would be able to retain my fence, and the construction that is going on next door would not be able to come more than four inches to the party line.

“The next-door neighbour is going to build to the party line, and it means I will not be able to have my fence.

“I think it is going to be ruined for my house.”

Ms Hawkins – who said similar problems were being caused by a porch being built by the neighbour – claimed she approached High Barnet councillor Wendy Prentice and was told that lack of light was no longer relevant to planning decisions.

She also claimed her carer approached Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers, who lives on the same road, but Ms Villiers expressed support for the extension.

A spokesman for Theresa Villiers said “Theresa Villiers’ office has no record of her being contacted by this resident about her neighbour’s planning application, nor does the MP remember Mrs Hawkins speaking to her about it.

“Ms Villiers is concerned that Mrs Hawkins is unhappy with the extension being built by her neighbour, but as planning permission has been granted, this is now a private law legal dispute between neighbours.

“Ms Villiers was not aware of planning law grounds to object to the application and was therefore broadly supportive.”

A council spokesman said: “This planning application was determined based on its individual merits. Consultation was carried out with neighbouring properties and one objection to the proposed single storey rear extension was received. This included concerns about loss of light.

“After consideration, planning officers were satisfied that the application would not have an adverse impact on the neighbouring property.”

Cllr Prentice was approached for comment.