Fucking neighbours and their right of access

[nannyquestion1]

They're driving me mad! They have a right of access through our garden to the street. Endless complaints about gates being shut (not locked, they have a key anyway), the dog barking at them (from inside the house!) when they walk past, the gravel being too deep to drag their bins over (volume hasn't changed in the year that we've been here) and various other minor things. The latest one is they're not happy with our rabbits running free - apparently they don't like having to make sure they're contained as they come through the garden, which involves opening and shutting a gate - and they can't bring their dogs through when the rabbits are there. The rabbits have been there for a year and are in a run 95% of the time. If the dogs are coming through they should be on a lead anyway.

Their access path is kept totally clear, there is never anything blocking it, they can use it 24 hours a day if they wish!

Does anyone have any advice about this situation? I understand they have a right of access but I don't think they have a right to dictate what we do and don't do in OUR GARDEN. Which I should mention is quite large so plenty of space for the rabbits to occupy, it's not like they're confined to the strip of land the neighbours access.

What are the rules about giving a right of access??

My dh has a house where his neighbours have right of access but only to take the buns through and if work access is needed - when you bought the house did your solicitor explain what sort of access they have?

How much of the garden do they actually walk on? I would be tempted to fence it off, like some landowners do with public footpaths crossing their fields so there is no chance of walkers encroaching onto the grazing land or crops - so your neighbour can only walk in a straight line from point A to point B with a fence on either side.

Sounds a total 'mare.
Is it possible to run a fence along to delineate spaces? Then the babbits can just do their thing, grumpy neighbours the same, everyone happy? I' m sure it feels like a PITA to do so, but is the gain for you just worth it in this instance?

Yes l would go with a fence cutting them off and keeping them moving along. Good idea to check the contract and see if it states exactly when they are to use it.

Fence it off

A fence sounds like a good solution - but a total pita for you, I know

Fence it even a chicken wire type, keeps bunnies safe and means they can’t go off the right of access path.

Where is the access path, can you fence it off so they dont have access to the garden.

We need a diagram!

You have to really check the deeds and any associated documentation to be clear what the rights are. I'd never buy somewhere with any form of shared access or easement ever again, but I recognise that doesn't help you!

Stay amicable, but be firm that they cannot overstep what is allowed.

Diagram or the dog gets the bunny

I have right of access through my garden and put a low fence up. It's better for everyone.

What is he right of access tor? Is it a terraced house and it's just to put the bins out?
I'd agree with PPs, fenced off path at end of garden which they cannot stray from

It’s only fair

Another vote for a fence, to keep the rabbits one side and safe from their dogs, and try at almost all costs not to fall out with them.

Gates, and barking and bins... smile and nod and wave, this is one that needs handling with kid gloves if you want to stay living there in relative peace. Falling out with them would be a last resort for me.

I think you just need to say, every time, ‘The gate needs to stay locked, the dog barks if there’s someone in the garden and we’re quite happy with that - alerts us you’re there! - and your dogs need to be on a lead or to go out through your front door not our garden.’

Shut it down.

Everything apart from loose rabbits ignore. Unfortunately with shared access these are the things you need to consider. Would you leave a toddler out there unsupervised knowing they could appear at any time?

Yup. You know the rules OP.

"Hi neighbour, no we won't be doing any of that, please don't talk to me about the right of access again" tinkly laugh slamming door.

Save up the rabbit poops and sprinkle them liberally all over the gravel

You need a General Woundwort

YANBU
I hated this about our old house. One neighbour just used to pop through the gate for a chat whenever she saw I was outside.

What a pain. Not sure if the legal situation but personally with a naggy neighbour I’d probably take the approach of ignoring and shutting them down. Give them your email and ask them to email any issues they have. I’d stop talking to them at the door if they’re coming to repeat the same on mini moans.

Fence it off

I agree with this. Taking the bin through is acceptable, but using your garden for random dog walks might notactually be permitted.

I am eagerly anticipating the diagram....but as others have said, is it a right of way anytime and every time, or only for certain acitivies (bins, etc) do they not have any access through their own front door to their house/ garden, why is yours such a well used thoroughfare?