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Original poster

Garden fence and NDN

37 replies

GabbyGreenfingers · 04/05/2025 10:43

I don’t know my NDN other than to say hello in passing. My other neighbours have said that she is grumpy and complains a lot about things in the street to them, bins, workmen etc. I haven’t experienced this as I have only lived here 1 year, go out to work every day and not had the funds to do any work on the house yet.

She’s approached me to complain about a hole in my fence, between our gardens. She said it’s unsightly and that she wants me to pay to replace the whole fence!
The hole is in one section that I can’t really see it from my side as I have a lovely camellia bush there. I have tried to repair it from my side but obviously it doesn’t look pretty.
I don’t want bad blood with a neighbour especially as I’m quite new to the area, but I really don’t think I should replace the whole fence if I don’t want / need to. My gut says she’s a CF trying to get a brand new fence for free! But I’m not sure where I stand legally as it is my fence that’s broken.

To add, I hear her granddaughter in her garden in the good weather kicking a football and regularly hear it bang on the fence. Maybe that’s why it’s broken?!

OP posts:
Bonbon21 · 04/05/2025 14:20

If she wants a new fence she can put one up on her ground at her own expense.
I would ask her no to allow her grandaughter to kick the ball against you fence as it will damage it.
I would also be saving the bright orange netting off my satsumas to staple over the hole.. having first sewn them together with bright green nylon rope... but I am naughty like that!

Original poster
GabbyGreenfingers · 04/05/2025 14:12

I also dont want to replace the panel because a) it would cost me money and I’m saving for other things, b) I can’t really see the hole and the fence is fine otherwise just a little old and tatty (she can fix it and paint her side if she wants?!) and c) it might harm my camellia bush getting the old one out and a new one in.
But these reasons are irrelevant really if legally I don’t have to do anything about it anyway.

OP posts:
Original poster
GabbyGreenfingers · 04/05/2025 14:08

Although a diagram or photo might help visualise the issue to me the hole really isn’t that visible and I can’t take a photo of her view. But I expect through her side she can just see the bottom of my bush and a bit of my flowerbed.

Thanks for all the replies. She made it seem that because it’s my fence it’s my responsibility to upkeep it.

It’s about 30cm wide and probably 50cm tall. A cat or medium dog could fit through it (we don’t have pets but for example of size!)

I have tried to fix it with wood and nails but it’s hard to reach as it’s right behind the bush so it’s awkward and uncomfortable. I also don’t think even a good fix would satisfy her as it would still look bad on her side.

My main concern is legally does she have a leg to stand on in demanding that I replace it at all.

OP posts:
Stickytreacle · 04/05/2025 11:23

Nope, I'd leave well alone, it's even recommended to have a hole for hedgehogs to get into gardens more easily.
By asking you to replace the fence she sounds like the type of neighbour who will expect you to jump to her every whim.
I'd tell her that the fence will be remaining as it is for now, but she's welcome to put one of her own on her side if she's concerned.

Livpool · 04/05/2025 11:14

I wouldn’t be doing that

SpanThatWorld · 04/05/2025 11:06

"No, I won't be doing that for a while"

Auroraloves · 04/05/2025 11:05

what type of fence is it? Could you replace just that panel, and tell her that her granddaughter should not be kick in the ball on your fence

minnienono · 04/05/2025 11:05

Legally you don’t need a fence so it’s a simple, “ sorry I am not planning to replace the fence in the near future” id add a polite, i would appreciate the ball not being kicked against it as you are aware it’s fairly old, then as a sweetener, you are welcome to paint your side if you want.

ItGhoul · 04/05/2025 11:05

ThirdStorm · 04/05/2025 11:01

Hard to judge without a diagram/photo of offending hole!

The appearance is irrelevant if the fence belongs to the OP. If it’s the OP’s boundary, she isn’t obliged to have any fence at all, let alone make it look nice for her neighbours.

Bunnyisputbackinthebox · 04/05/2025 11:02

Block of wood. Handful of nails..
Jon done. Refuse to get into any discussions whatsoever..

ThirdStorm · 04/05/2025 11:01

Hard to judge without a diagram/photo of offending hole!

LordEmsworth · 04/05/2025 10:46

Your fence, your choice. It can be an absolute eyesore if you choose. If she has a problem, she can put a fence up her side. There's no requirement for you to have a fence at all...