To expect to be asked about making changes to a shared garden

[Chester1980]

We live in a communal tenement with a shared garden. Our neighbours are lovely....but they’ve been making permanent changes to the garden without running it past several of us. It’s like mini land grabs. A raised vegetable plot, a brick BBQ, a massive trampoline, and we have overheard them talking about their next project....an outdoor room for the kids.

Am I being unreasonable to think this is a bit inconsiderate? I would never go ahead with something without asking everyone who has shared ownership.

How would you approach it without getting their backs up?

[Clymene]

Plant and pick vegetables and invite some friends for a bbq

[NagaisAce]

Is it shared as in you both have same access rights? Or you both own separate parts of the garden.

[burnoutbabe]

I'd be annoyed if a massive trampoline appeared in my shared garden.
How many flats? Can anyone use their trampoline and bbq?

[Chester1980]

We all have the same access rights. It’s not broken down into plots for each property

[SayakaMurata]

Make sure you use the barbecue and trampoline!

[Chester1980]

Anyone can use those things apparently (I’ve heard this third hand).. But we don’t really feel comfortable setting up a BBQ considering they haven’t actually spoke to us.

[Chester1980]

Also, the garden is losing its charm as it’s being overtaken with all this stuff. It’s a stunning garden as it is (or was)

[SauvignonBlanche]

How many of you share the garden?

[VettiyaIruken]

I think it's important that you do.
All this stuff they are adding is designed to make you feel awkward!
They are trying to push you out of the shared garden.
Don't let them!

[AfterSchoolWorry]

The outdoor room is a step too far. Cheeky feckers.

[Chester1980]

Ten properties share the garden. It’s quite a large garden

[Chester1980]

@VettiyaIruken that’s it. It feels awkward and we feel pushed out. It’s like they don’t realise we live here too.

[scoobyd2]

You say they haven't spoken to several of you - does that mean a group have agreed to the changes, but not all of you? If you all have equal rights, then I think you have to stop worrying about getting their backs up and speak to them.

What does your lease say about the garden? They may be breaching their lease making these changes in which case make sure you notify the managing agent/freeholder. We had this a few years ago with some neighbours taking over communal space with plants/garden furniture etc, which was not allowed - the freeholder threatened us all with fines if it wasn't removed so I very quickly made sure he knew none of the stuff was mine, no way was I paying fines for someone else's actions.

[Chester1980]

I think an element of it recently is the lockdown - they are keeping themselves busy with projects. But it’s just common curtesy to ask

[Herbie0987]

Do you have a management company you can approach?

[Gwenisthename]

Do you have a contract that says what is and what is not permitted?

[Chester1980]

@scoobyd2 we all own the apartments, and there’s no factor or management (we organise stair cleaning and grass cutting ourselves). It’s like it hasn’t even occurred to them that we might not be ok with these changes. They are lovely and we don’t want to look like awful grumpy neighbours ruining their fun.

[cabbageking]

I would peg out an area for a deep pond and wait for them to ask about it.
. Then you can discuss their approach.

[Chester1980]

I’m keen to deal with it gently though and not say anything about legal rights etc

[UnderTheBus]

Yeah that's really not on. If there are a few of you who feel the same could you write a "generic" note to everyone saying "if you're planning on making changes to the garden, please remember to run it by everyone as it is a shared space"
Putting a couple of kids toys out there is one thing but big permanent structures should be agreed upon by everyone.

[OliviaBenson]

If they are building a structure, planning could be an issue as apartment blocks don't have the same permitted development rights as normal houses.

You need to say something op!

[Yesmate]

Why not just talk to them?

[Chester1980]

Thanks guys. @UnderTheBus I like the sound of that - just sending it as a gentle reminder.

[Chester1980]

@Yesmate Ehehe! I know - you’re right. It’s that not wanting the cause conflict about it that worries me. I don’t want to create negative feeling...but at the same time, I think that’s what they’ve done

[burnoutbabe]

Maybe call a flat wide meeting about various stuff (ie cleaning schedule, how all doing in lockdown) and speak about fair garden usage and suggest any changes are agreed by all in advance and no permanent structure.
Do you can use a paddle pool for an afternoon then it goes away. Maybe a shed is needed for various garden bits (and all items in there are communal ie some chairs)