Boundary query - with diagram

[frustrationcentral]

Hi!

Is it possible to find out a clearer way to determine a boundary of a house? We've found a map that we received when buying but it's not overly clear, and in the deeds it states that when looking at the house, we own/are responsible for the left boundary.

We are the middle house. Neighbour B believes they own the hedge that is next to our garden. The hedge runs, as shown, the whole way around our garden on two sides. Neighbour B wants to remove the hedge to extend their driveway.

Please notice where the hedge is - how if you draw a straight line down from where our lawn starts beside our house the hedge is on the neighbours land. However if the boundary is definitely a straight line both sides, then also please notice the path running from our gate (left of house). If the path is our boundary then potentially we own part of neighbour A's garden and the hedge that side?! We don't believe we do.

Any ideas? Our position is we're concerned about Neighbour B claiming part of our land - and the implications when we move in the future. Also if the hedge belongs to us and is then replaced with a vehicle then that'll be an eye sore ( and loss of privacy)

Is there some way to find out for definite?

I agree , it looks like hedge and part of the lawn on your side is theirs,this could be tricky if they want to reclaim it.

the issue with Neighbour A should have been picked up at the time of purchase - but yes, it looks as though the boundary runs across their lawn...

Neighbour B does appear to own the hedge... the boundary is the critical bit, not what is on it - however, it is worth noting that Land Registry maps are indicative only and while most people like precision, there is generally a lack of precision in how boundaries are defined - when you consider the map scale, a line can be quite wide in real life... therefore boundaries are usually taken from other fixed items such as buildings - if there is a dispute, then all you can do is go to arbitration / court and that is very very expensive...

Oh we wouldn't take it to court, they're good friends of ours and we don't want to fall out. I just hope that when the time comes and they want it gone then they do a nice job. Our grass and the remaining part of the hedge are at risk of damage if they just rip it out, and ultimately we're the ones who have to look at it - not them.

What about your privacy, though, OP? Surely the least they can do is offer to contribute to the cost of a new fence. I personally think they've been really cheeky to let you do all the work looking after the hedge when all along they believed it was theirs and wholly on their land. They're very lucky to have such nice neighbours.

I think we'll broach the subject of privacy @Prestel . They haven't yet said anything more on the matter!

There is some complete nonsense being said on this thread. The land registry plan does not show you exactly where the boundary is, you can not scale from it. They merely indicate the approximate location of the plot. You are assuming that the boundaries where straight to begin with and that they have not moved, which boundaries can do. Even if you had a scale plan, which you don't, you could struggle to define the There is no such thing as 'owning' a boundary, T marks merely indicate who was responsible for the initial boundary features. Please get some professional advice.

If you have legal protection as part of your home insurance, they should be able to advise you.

Even if you had a scale plan, which you don't, you would struggle to define the boundary from it.

@Brahumbug

There is some complete nonsense being said on this thread. The land registry plan does not show you exactly where the boundary is, you can not scale from it. They merely indicate the approximate location of the plot. You are assuming that the boundaries where straight to begin with and that they have not moved, which boundaries can do. Even if you had a scale plan, which you don't, you could struggle to define the There is no such thing as 'owning' a boundary, T marks merely indicate who was responsible for the initial boundary features. Please get some professional advice.

Thanks @Brahumbug , that's DH's feeling too and actually whilst looking into it we found a lot of info stating that the land registry is not accurate. Our neighbours haven't said anything more, but if they do then I think we'll push for more proof

My DH is a chartered surveyor and that is the source of my information. If your neighbours do want to change the boundary then make sure you resist unless they have convincing evidence.