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Original poster

So now my neighbours object to us fencing off our land

65 replies

Reluctantwitness · 25/02/2021 22:14

Our neighbours asked a few years ago to remove the rickety unpleasant fence between us. We said yes. They planted a climber with a bit of wire at 4 ft which might solve the problem in 10 years. Meanwhile though we are completely eye to eye with their extension. It’s about 6 foot from their picture window to the boundary so it’s very awkward.
I avoid being in that area of the garden because I feel I am intruding into their family life by being there. And they are able to make direct eye contact if I try to do some gardening. Essentially there are people sitting at their dining table within 6/8 ft or so.

My husband wanted to put up a 2m privacy fence but I knew that would be the nasty for the neighbours because of blocking light.

I therefore told them I intended to replace the fence, at my own expense and on my own land. have agreed to have solid fence at 3ft with about 2ft 4 inches diamond trellis above.

They are objecting still......it’s pretty annoying......

The fencing company guy left today without giving a quote because the neighbour came over and involved in the discussion (I had given them warning as a courtesy).

Is it time to just shut this down and say “we are not asking a favour, we are going to fence off our land as is our right”.... I know we all get precious about our gardens and views but I have given them notice, am designing the bloody thing for their benefit and have had enough.

OP posts:
WithMyOldCockLinnet · 25/02/2021 22:51

LOL, The fact that they interfered with your fencing guy demonstrates exactly why you need the fence!

Bluntness100 · 25/02/2021 22:54

God, just do it, why are you behaving scared of your neighbours and letting them impact the privacy of your property in favour of them enjoying yours

We put up a six foot fence in our first house. The neighbours objected. I responded and said oh I wasn’t asking you, I was telling you, it’s going up on x date. And it did.

It’s permitted just do it. Stop living your life according to your neighbours rules.

Original poster
Reluctantwitness · 25/02/2021 22:59

“LOL, The fact that they interfered with your fencing guy demonstrates exactly why you need the fence!”

Ex-fucking-actly!

OP posts:
Snowymcsnowsony · 25/02/2021 23:03

2m fencing right down to the right of way. Stick a gate in then continue at 2 m.
They have ruined relations. No need to pander now op..

Original poster
Reluctantwitness · 25/02/2021 23:04

I’d rather go high iyswim.
As in Michelle Obama not as in 2m.

OP posts:
MerryDecembermas · 25/02/2021 23:04

Confused as to why you are letting your neighbours dictate your fence. They haven't a leg to stand on!

endlesswicker · 25/02/2021 23:06

So their window is 2m from the boundary? Well to be honest, putting a window in a side-facing wall that close to a boundary is a bit daft if you don't want to be looking at a fence.

Would a fence made of just the diamond trellis work? You could grow climbers through it and attach hanging baskets in the summer.

Call the fencing contractor and apologise - ask him to come back and explain how cross you are that the neighbour interfered.

Original poster
Reluctantwitness · 25/02/2021 23:07

Their family used to own my house too......I think that explains the attitude a bit

OP posts:
Original poster
Reluctantwitness · 25/02/2021 23:12

I appreciate the support.
I just need to say “we are fencing off our land for privacy

OP posts:
RandomMess · 25/02/2021 23:16

They lost their chance for you to be considerate. You need a decent height fence up asap. Them never speaking to you again is an added bonus.

I think fencing it off properly May finally get through to them that it isn't part of "their" land anymore.

megletsecond · 25/02/2021 23:21

I have fence issues with my weird stroppy neighbour too.

KihoBebiluPute · 25/02/2021 23:21

Good fences make good neighbours, you need a decent boundary, so just put up a fence and don't involve them in any discussion on the matter.

MrsHuntGeneNotJeremyObviously · 25/02/2021 23:22

Your mistake was in discussing it and behaving as if their opinion is equal yours. Find out what you can legally put up and then just do it. Don't tell them when someone is coming to quote - be present when the quote is done and if the neighbour tries to interfere tell them to bugger off.

Covidcorvid · 25/02/2021 23:22

@Reluctantwitness

I appreciate the support. I just need to say “we are fencing off our land for privacy
And security. 👍. Which is what I said to our neighbours when I replaced the 3ft high fence with 2m one so they’d stop talking to me all the bloody time!
Lollypop4 · 25/02/2021 23:38

I agree with bluntness.
No more contact, just put it up.
I wouldnt care at all what my neighbours wanted to do with a fence, on my land.
My land, my fence, up it would go

BlueThistles · 25/02/2021 23:51

@MrsHuntGeneNotJeremyObviously

Your mistake was in discussing it and behaving as if their opinion is equal yours. Find out what you can legally put up and then just do it. Don't tell them when someone is coming to quote - be present when the quote is done and if the neighbour tries to interfere tell them to bugger off.

yip 🌺

Cherrysoup · 25/02/2021 23:59

Tell them you’re fencing, no discussion, warn fencing person neighbours are batshit. Crack on. I did this the other day with a house I own. You need to do what is best for you, not the bloody neighbours.

BirdHedge · 26/02/2021 00:06

2m and a gate, they build their extension not you, you don’t need to pander to them. Who cares about their light.
2m fence and a gate where yo7 need access.

PurpleFadesToGreen · 26/02/2021 00:09

I'd give them two options of your choosing.

6ft solid fence all along boundary with access gate.
Other option is 6ft fence all along boundary with access gate , with a 4ft section with 2ft trellis atop near their window.

One or other...they choose or you do.

ItsDinah · 26/02/2021 00:28

Hedge. Western red cedar. Fast growing conifer,easier to maintain than Leylandii. Cheap as chips. Birds love it for nesting and you can grow climbers in it.

Hodge00079 · 26/02/2021 00:33

Put the fence up that you want. You tried to comprise and still butted in.

sneakysnoopysniper · 26/02/2021 00:45

My "entitled" neighbour had a fence put up which comprised re-cycled panels from elsewhere. She did not consult me or ask permission for her gang of navvy workers to access my garden. The re-cycled panels would not fit and one of the workmen was using an industrial grinder in my garden to grind concrete lintels. In effect he turned my garden into a building site for her project! He moved pretty quickly back onto her land when I threatened him with the police. I also threatened them with the police for working on a sunday as our local council does not allow it.

The cheeky mare then asked me to "go halves" with her for the cost of the fence. Had she approached me first to discuss the style, cost etc it would have been different. However I knew the panels were not new and that the "workmen" where probably a cheap gang and not an official company. (No logo on van, safety equipment etc.) I told her I would need copies of itemised receipts showing a breakdown with materials, hours of work, VAT and so on. Still waiting for them to materialise.

If they ever do materialise then the cost I "owe" her for the panels will exactly coincide with the "rental" I intend to charge her for use of my land without permission. Yes - you do have the right to access your neighbour's land in order to repair an existing structure. Its called the Access to Neighbouring Land Act. But you cant just unilaterally walk onto your neighbour's property. You have to ask permission and can go to court if they unreasonably refuse.

In the meantime I have asked my gardener to quote for a fencing run on my side of the divide in the same style as my other fencing. I have neither informed or consulted the neighbour so she can like it or lump it. Just waiting for the end of next month and the weather to improve.

Neighbours, I bloody hate the creatures.

Pipepans · 26/02/2021 00:57

Tell them you will be hosting the Canvey Island Dogging Club on a monthly basis in your garden once lockdowns over .....they'll be begging you to put a fence up....

Tangohead · 26/02/2021 05:08

Go for 5ft!

Dowermouse · 26/02/2021 05:54

Stop aquiesing to these bullies. Get your own fence built, on the boundary if at all possible. Make it the maximum hight, offering you your much deserved privicy.
Don't give your neighbours notice, just do it.