Fence. Bloody fence

[loveka]

Our neighbours took down the front fence between our gardens while we were on holiday. As we were in the process of moving we didn't do anything as we didn't want to get into a dispute which we would have to declare, and as we were moving we didn't care.

They replaced it with another similar fence. The deeds don't say who is responsible for maintaining the boundary. We have no actual proof who the fence belonged to, but as it matched the other fences we had and the gate it was common sense it was ours. Also they are new neighbours and the guy who lived there before had done nothing to his house or garden for 50 years he told us.

As we now have to stay here for the foreseeable future (Our seller pulled out 2 days before moving day sadly) we want to put up a 6 foot fence between the gardens. I can't bear seeing the neighbour as he has been an utter twat to us, hence wanting the fence.

How close can we put it to his fence? I don't want to lose very much land, as it's our front path so we still need to be able to walk up it.

I was thinking of using tall willow hurdles, as money is a bit tight at the moment.

The neighbour will kick off whatever we do, but as long as we keep what we have done legal we should survive his shouting and screaming!

[wowfudge]

Do you know what - be the bigger person and do nothing to retaliate; it's not worth it. If your title documents don't state or show who is responsible for maintaining the boundary structure, the presumption is that it is shared, but as the fence matches the rest of your fence and gate it's a fairly safe bet it was paid for by a previous owner of your house.

I can't believe you have said nothing - that could well make the neighbour think he can do whatever he likes. I suggest you ask him to discuss anything like that in future and ask him what he did with your fence which he illegally removed. If he wanted to put his own fence up he should have put it entirely on his land inside the line of the existing one. Having the conversation doesn't mean you have a dispute and just might make him think before he goes and does anything else.

[CrochetBelle]

Do you know there are rules surrounding high fences in front gardens? You may need planning permission. They could answer your other questions too.

[Damia]

If you're selling don't you have all the docs showing that that boundary belongs to you? If not it's your land plant as close to the fence as you like I guess

[wonkylegs]

You will need planning permission if a fence is over 1m if it has any point, that adjoins a highway/ public footpath - this is why front fences tend to be lower. This also includes the end of a fence between properties so you would have to taper it down as it got to the end.

[loveka]

It doesn't go onto a public highway, we don't live on a road. Other houses have 6 foot fences on the row.. I have checked and we dont need planning.
There is no house next to the fence, just his garden.

He already thinks he can do what he likes. He raised a boundary dispute the day he moved in over an 8 inch strip of land in our back garden.- he thought our fence was in the wrong place. The fence was where it was when we moved in nearly 20 years ago. He built an extension at the back without any party wall agreement. He destroyed one of our garden borders putting the foundations under our land and refused to pay any compensation for the plants. He planted my plants in his garden!!! He gave me a year of hell, I ended up on anti depressants. Our solicitor advised us to give in as, even though we were totally in the right, boundary disputes are very expensive to take to court. Even if you are awarded full costs you might end up going back to court to try to get the costs refunded by the other party!

This is why I want to put a tall fence up. So I don't have to see him after what he put us through!

[bojorojo]

I would not put up a cheap and nasty fence in the front garden if you want to sell. Just leave it. Surely you are not spying on him in his front garden all the time? You can put up a fence on your own land subject to the regulations but it seems exoensive if you are selling. Your neighbour sounds horrible though.

[loveka]

I'm certainly nor spying on him. I just hate seeing him. Our front doors are very close and the fence is only waist height so it's open to all intents and purposes. He is out there all the time in summer as it's his only garden.
He built an extension over his back garden..

[SquinkiesRule]

Can you change the panel next to the front door for a taller one to give some privacy by the doors.
I'd go for a tall one with a lattice top. or a transitional piece that is like a half D side