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Original poster

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

654 replies

Fencewoes · 27/03/2024 12:33

We have recently had new neighbours move in next door. A month ago they said that they would like to replace all of the fences around their garden (sides and back) which includes replacing mine. They said they will pay for this as they want their garden to look uniform. At first I was on board with this, actually quite pleased at the thought of having a brand new fence as mine is quite old, however they have now said they will be replacing my current 4ft fence with a 6ft fence instead.

I have told them I do not want them to replace my fence with anything higher than 4 ft. They’ve now said that in that case, instead of replacing my fence, they will just build another fence against mine in their garden. So basically, I will retain my current fence, then there will be another in their garden, but I will have double fences on my side! Is this even allowed?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
OhmygodDont · 27/03/2024 12:51

I topless sunbath. Maybe the women does too. 6ft fence or free range boobies 😂

Ebme · 27/03/2024 12:51

Yes they can do this

Yes it is annoying

Yes you are kinda being bullied

Yes it is correct that there is nothing you can do to prevent this

Your options are

  1. Agree and have a new 6 foot fence , which will look ok but isn’t what you want, or
  2. Object and have two fences next to each other, which will shrink the width of their garden and thus create bad feeling, also it will look shit and make it hard to get things which fall down / weeds that grow in between the fences
EnterFunnyNameHere · 27/03/2024 12:50

One person's "community feel" is another person's "lack of privacy" I guess. No-one is right or wrong, it's a difference of opinion, but they are in no way bullying you by wanting to make their garden private within the allowances of planning etc!

Tygertiger · 27/03/2024 12:50

Maybe they want to get a dog and are trying to ensure it can’t jump a fence and end up in your garden. Maybe they just want privacy. It is not unreasonable to want 6 foot fences in your back garden, it’s standard. I would take the fence offer.

LadyTiredWinterBottom2 · 27/03/2024 12:50

Fencewoes · 27/03/2024 12:47

Every other garden here has 4ft fences, it has a real community feel. They will be the only ones in the row that have 6ft fences.

Well they obviously want privacy, not to chat to their neighbours over the fence. It's their property and l can understand, l would want privacy too.

BranchGold · 27/03/2024 12:50

Ah, so you’re upset that you can’t see your neighbours or the neighbours across from next door now when they’re hanging their washing out and you have a chat?

Jennalong · 27/03/2024 12:50

Why are you right and they are wrong ?
You want a 4ft fence and they want a 6ft one.
You have yours and they will be having theirs.
Your garden , your choice , likewise for them .

Wibblywobblylikejelly · 27/03/2024 12:49

Fencewoes · 27/03/2024 12:47

Every other garden here has 4ft fences, it has a real community feel. They will be the only ones in the row that have 6ft fences.

And then don't want to join that.
They want privacy.

FineWordsButterNoParsnips · 27/03/2024 12:48

Why would anyone want a community feel in their own garden? 😄

MalcolmTuckersSwearBox · 27/03/2024 12:48

Unless there is a local covenant restricting the boundary fences to 4ft, they have every right to erect a 6ft fence on their land.

fatbottomgirl67 · 27/03/2024 12:47

Most people prefer a 6ft fence. It gives privacy. A 4ft fence means you can see into their garden and vis versa. They're really not being un reasonable

ViciousCurrentBun · 27/03/2024 12:47

Just have the new fence, I actually like my neighbours but the thought of a 4 foot fence just no way.

AintNobodyHereButUsChickens · 27/03/2024 12:47

Who wouldn't want a free 6ft fence?! Why do you want to keep a 4ft one?

bestofme · 27/03/2024 12:47

Fencewoes · 27/03/2024 12:41

They have a wide garden so they have said they will just leave a gap between my current fence and their new one.

So it will look dreadful from my side. Two fences with a half metre gap in between. It feels like I am being bullied into accepting their offer to just replace mine with a 6ft fence.

It's hardly bullying!

They asked very nicely, offered to pay, but you were not happy with the height. They don't have to replace like for like if they're paying for it, as long as it's permissible.

You declined the offer because you're not happy with the height.

Tough then! They get nice uniform fencing and you get the ugly view your side.

ShufflingAlong · 27/03/2024 12:47

Fencewoes · 27/03/2024 12:41

They have a wide garden so they have said they will just leave a gap between my current fence and their new one.

So it will look dreadful from my side. Two fences with a half metre gap in between. It feels like I am being bullied into accepting their offer to just replace mine with a 6ft fence.

They are not bullying you.

They offered to take on the expense but as you have said no then they will just do what they legally can by erecting their own on their land to suit what they prefer. You prefer your old 4ft one so that will remain as you have requested.

Wibblywobblylikejelly · 27/03/2024 12:47

Fencewoes · 27/03/2024 12:41

They have a wide garden so they have said they will just leave a gap between my current fence and their new one.

So it will look dreadful from my side. Two fences with a half metre gap in between. It feels like I am being bullied into accepting their offer to just replace mine with a 6ft fence.

You are not being bullied.
Actually they have been incredibly lovely and curious.
Why should they consider you above the?
They gave you a generous offer. You rejected it.
You can't have it all your own way.

Original poster
Fencewoes · 27/03/2024 12:47

Every other garden here has 4ft fences, it has a real community feel. They will be the only ones in the row that have 6ft fences.

OP posts:
SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 27/03/2024 12:47

Sadly it seems as if you have to choose which fence will be the lesser of two evils, @Fencewoes - one six foot fence in place of your current one, or your fence plus a gap then a six foot fence. Personally, I'd choose the single fence as the preferable option, even though it isn't exactly what you want.

Houseplanter · 27/03/2024 12:47

I do understand how you feel OP, you're ticking along with your 4 ft fence then new neighbours want to change it. Would annoy me too. But as other have said, you can't do anything about it, so I'd suck it up and just have the new fence.

I would ask for the 'right side' to be on my side though.

PickledPurplePickle · 27/03/2024 12:46

Of course they can do whatever they want, it's not up to you, as long as it's on their land

AuntiePushpa · 27/03/2024 12:46

People are being a bit harsh on the OP! Your neighbours can do this but if the garden is small I can see you may not want a higher fence. I like the trellis idea someone suggested. Whatever you do, don't get into a row with them about it - a good relationship with your neighbours if more important

Remagirl · 27/03/2024 12:45

I don't understand why you wouldn't want a nice, new, free fence that provides you with more privacy and security?

thislittledogofmine · 27/03/2024 12:45

Fencewoes · 27/03/2024 12:41

They have a wide garden so they have said they will just leave a gap between my current fence and their new one.

So it will look dreadful from my side. Two fences with a half metre gap in between. It feels like I am being bullied into accepting their offer to just replace mine with a 6ft fence.

I think yes, you're stuck.

My neighbours had a crumbling brick wall between theirs and mine. They didn't ask me about what might be done, Instead of replacing the wall they just built a swish higher new fence hiding the wall from their side.

Now I get to look at the old crumbling wall and the top of the back of a brand new fence, looks so shit.

Just accept their original proposal.

OhmygodDont · 27/03/2024 12:44

You’re not being bullied.

If they were bullying you they wouldn’t be willing to lose some of their own garden for their fence. You’re being stubborn over a 2ft height difference. They could plant trees and it would be much higher than 6ft. You have no right to that 2ft view over their garden.

Maybe they rightly so think your going to be a nosey neighbour poking their nose over..

ARichtGoodDram · 27/03/2024 12:44

What’s your objection to the 6 foot fence?