Neighbour wants to replace MY fence, I don’t want them to!

Another one who doesn't understand why you wouldn't want a 6ft fence?

I had an extension built two years ago. My original plan was to have dug down the garden as it sloped upwards towards the back, to make it all the same level as the front half, but my builder convinced me to use the excavated earth to level off the back instead and build a patio area there. This meant that we could now see into the neighbours gardens whilst standing on the patio, on all three sides. I replaced all of the fencing, for aesthetics, but also so that we all got our privacy back.

Aren't you trying to bully them into having a 4 ft fence? It works both ways except they have the right to erect their fence within their boundary so either have the new fence or the odd look of theirs the other side of yours. Your choice.

When I applied to adopt my dog part of the criteria was a 6ft fence around the whole garden - there was a home visit to make sure. Could be similar, or maybe they enjoy privacy..

There is a caveat on our properties that our fences can’t be higher than 4ft.
All of us in our small close love the low fences.

OP. You might have the same. Do a little reserch

They’re going to put up a 6ft fence anyway. Why not get yours done for free?

My first house was on an estate with a community feel. However we all understood the etiquette of never bothering people in their back gardens. Back gardens = private, front garden and the pavements at the front = community feel.

You may well find that once someone's been 'brave' ( :D ) enough to put in a higher fence that others may do the same.

Choose your battles. I think the privacy of a 6 ft fence is better anyway and you can’t really stop them

Christ, let your poor neighbours have their privacy. Not everyone (hardly anyone in fact) wants their neighbours being able to nosy into their garden, nor do they want a ‘community feel’ in their back garden (is that what outside your private premises is for?).

You are being very unreasonable and if I were your neighbour I would absolutely put up the double fence if you refused.

’community feel’

Nope. I’m 53 and and grew up on a housing estate. I remember community. I don’t believe it exists now. Sorry, OP, the new neighbours just think you’re a busybody.

Get round there and say you spoke hastily and if the original offer of replacing your fence with the new one is still there you would be pleased to accept it.

Then when you see them outside say hello but don’t chat.

I got my DDog from Dogs Trust like most rehoming charities they wouldn't let me bring him home unless (amongst other criteria) l could prove l had a 6ft secure fence all round my garden. You are being ridiculous your neighbours will lose about 1 ft x whatever length their garden is in the gap between your fences and you will have to look at an ugly double fence and still see a 6ft fence whether you agree or not.

what kind of psychopath would want a four foot fence in their back garden

I assume that they drive a car such as a mid-range Ford that they wash every Sunday afternoon, like Coldplay, and only ever DTD in missionary.

Seem boring to want something uniform that is 6 foot high.

Worth checking if there is any need for planning permission or some covenant that stops them doing this. Even asking if they have checked might delay it for a week longer than otherwise.

I know, its great stuff. Store mine on the othe rside of a large hedge!

"It has a real community feel"

Oh dear, this sentence is incredibly telling.

You're naffed off that they won't "fit in" with your little clique.

If my neighbour tried to tell me what size fence to have in order to fit in with the street, I would tell them where to go.

Don't tell me...you have a whatsapp group too

Plants love it though. I store it far far away from all houses.

Hopefully my new neighbours moving in this week are nice 😆 or I might have to move a barrel.

comfrey bins

The smell of pure evil. 🤢

I’d have put my own up on my side of the boundary regardless of their reaction.

You may be in luck and find that Greg Davies and his similarly-tall DW have bought the house - so even with a 6ft fence, they will still be able to nosey over into your garden and keep that 'community feel' going.

Yes and upon viewing a property with a 4ft fence I'd think "I'll probably change that for a 6ft one as is my legal right" and not "hmm this must be a community of 4ft fences and I don't want to disturb the peace, better look elsewhere".

6ft max for fencing I think is a general rule in most places but not all.

If you are that aghast then maybe check your deeds to see whether there is anything mentioned in there and your local council rules.

Op, have you been treating them to a bit of your community feel over the fence already? This maybe what’s prompted them to act. You or the ones on the other side, intruding on their privacy. Nothing guaranteed to make someone put a six foot fence up quicker than the neighbours popping out for a chat when you’re in your garden.

Keep your fence. Let them loose land building a new one. Tell them that any damage caused to your fence by their new fence will mean they have to fix or replace your fence.

Front gardens are there for neighbourly chats over low fences, back gardens are for privacy.

Yeah, fine line between friendly and overly familiar