To want to check if I can get the council onto my neighbour?

[BlingLoving]

Our next door neighbour runs an informal mechanic/car cleaning business from his driveway. He is fine and v considerate but his customers are always parking over our driveway (although they move away when we ask) and generally getting in the way. Mostly what annoys us is the noise - constant chat and talking and car noise which is particularly a problem when ds is napping.

The reality is that we Wong do anything. They are good people and mostly good neighbours but it makes me so angry that our quiet residential area is being affected by his customers.

[OutragedAtThePriceOfFreddos]

Is it private or social housing?

[BlingLoving]

Private. We own and he rents.

[whackamole]

I don't know, but love the rogue Wong in there!

[OutragedAtThePriceOfFreddos]

Do you think his LL knows he is running a business from the property? I don't know about the council, he might be doing nothing illegal, but that has got to be down to his LL.

[TheCraicDealer]

There could be something in his tenancy agreement about not running a business from the property. Insurance and all that. If you had a quiet word and somehow suggested going to the L/lord or letting agents he may learn to be more careful about where clients park.

[GreenEggsAndNichts]

It's probably something you could speak to the LL or letting agency about, but I've no idea how to go about finding which agency he rents from. :(

[HecateHarshPants]

Why do you want to find out what you could do if you are saying you won't do anything? If you have no intention of taking any action - does it matter if you could or not? Or do you think that you may actually do something?

[BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack]

Have you had a word with him and asked him to tell people not to park over your drive?

Is it that annoying?? Maybe this is the only way he can find to make some money? It's hard out there at the moment job wise, so perhaps this is it for him.

[MsThinksTooMuch]

You can a copy of the title from the land registry, which will tell you the details of the owner of the house. I think it costs about £3-£4.

[BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack]

Not if he's a tenant though - which he is.

[MsThinksTooMuch]

I believe that he would also need to be registered with the local authority if he is running a business from his home, and registered for tax etc. Is it an area where it is likely the council would grant planning permission for such a use of a property?

I hope this helps you decide what to do, it sound like an unpleasant situation to be in. If he was just tinkering with his own vehicle, you know it would stop at some point, but this won't.

[MsThinksTooMuch]

BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack I know- I was meaning to find the owner/ land lord if the OP needs to. She already knows where her neighbour lives

[MrsKwazii]

If he's running a business at the property he may need planning permission perhaps. Noise nuisance may also be an environmental health issue. Have you talked to your neighbour though? Better to do that and just repeat your OP surely rather than call in the authorities?

[BlingLoving]

We have spoken, casually, about the parking and to be fair, he does try to discourage people and always makes sure they are there do that if we need to get in or out they move immediately. It's irritating but not that big a deal. But the random star nets constantly having long and loud chats in then driveway is annoying. Again, I think he does try to be considerate and certainly we never hear him personally, but he can't always stop the bellowing of others.

I very much doubt he has agreement from the council. And I would think he needs to register. But no, we will not do anything. He's a nice man, making a living for his Family and even if his landlord or the council don't know, I won't be turning him in. But I don't think I am being unreasonable to think about it on the days ds wakes up because of his business.

[BlingLoving]

Sorry. New device. Typing still a learning process. Hopefully you understand.

[lisaro]

Is he paying business rates on the house?

[BlingLoving]

I have no idea. But doubt it. Hence my not v charitable desire to "shop" him to the council whenever I am in a bad mood!

[MsThinksTooMuch]

I don't think it's unreasonable at all, and it's always best to consider all the options in case the time comes when you really need to do something about it.

Knowing you can sort of makes it easier to cope with.

[ethelb]

He wouldn't have to pay business rates if he was a sole trader and it is 'out of his home' much like a freelance writer for example.

I don't like this attitude that tenants are fair game as you can complain to their LL tbh. What would you do if he owned it? Can't you just speak to him if he is generally reasonable?

[ethelb]

a big baby is sleeping sign on his gate may help tone down the bellowing of his customers

[Nahnahnahnahbatman]

My first post - technically he may also need planning permission from the Council as he is operating a business at the house (which is only permitted to be a house) which has customers coming and going. You don't always need planning permission to work from home but you will if it results in the house being a central point for customers (no hard and fast rules on this in planning regs but if he has customers on a daily basis then planning permission is likely to be required for a 'change of use').

Not only was that my first post but I also just realised how sad my life is given that I registered just to answer this :/ I would like to apologise to everyone for giving such a boring response.

[BlingLoving]

I could not let a first post go unanswered! Thank you for comments. He does try to get his customers to be more considerate. It's just the nature of the business and his clients. Not him.

[Tiago]

I'd try sticking a sign outside your gate saying 'gate in constant us, please do nto park here'. If he's generally nice though and tries to help, I'd probably just put up with it.