The government requires that all people planning building work which; majorly changes the building (like an extension), is a new building, or changes the use of a building. In addition to the government having their standard check lists which they need to work through before the approve the project, they are legally required to let everyone who may be affected by the new build work (such as neighbours) the opportunity to voice their objections.
If you’re affected by build work in your neighbourhood, you are well within your rights to complain. You do this first by writing to the planning department, including all of the objections that you can think. The type of objections which receive consideration are, things like a loss of privacy, potential damage to your property, noise disturbance caused by the build work, even an adverse affect from the physical appearance of the building.