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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Neighbours have 'made' a driveway which MY parking space blocks

407 replies

SomewhatNewToThis · 30/06/2017 22:52

Trying to keep it short. I live down a very weird road- very few houses have driveways. Some of us have allocated bays in the street. Other people- generally the owners of newer houses- must park in a car park about a minutes walk away created especially for our road. It's literally at the end.

Neighbours have a weird upside down U shaped house, facing the road. They have decided to put a very ugly, gravel driveway on the reminder of their front garden.

However, MY allocated council parking space that belongs to my house is where the exit to their 'driveway' is. Their DD just passed her driving test- hence driveway- and I've had to move my car from my space SIX times since Tuesday.

Neighbours have now sent letter asking me to park elsewhere so their DD can use 'driveway.'

AIBU to have posted a polite letter back basically saying no and that I will not be moving car multiple times a day in future? Hmm

Car park for our houses requires a permit. As I have the allocated space, I cannot apply for a permit as I already have a space. Neighbours have one space in car park provided for those without allocated spaces, however can apply for space for their DD as car park has spare permits available. I can't park anywhere else as you can only park in allocated bays.

AIBU to think my allocated space is mine, it's not my fault it's in front of their house and that I shall not be moving my car from now on?

Diagram provided. Grin

Neighbours have 'made' a driveway which MY parking space blocks
OP posts:
qazxc · 03/07/2017 07:36

What is there to discuss? It's your allocated space!

QODRestYeMerryGentlemen · 03/07/2017 07:40

🏡
🚗

MyFavouriteName · 03/07/2017 07:45

I can't believe their audacity! Hoping they just don't realise the situation and all will be solved when you talk to them.

Justhadmyhaircut · 03/07/2017 07:48

Have the council number ready so you can offer to phone them while you are there op!!.

timeisnotaline · 03/07/2017 07:48

Suggest they give you permanent access to their back garden so you can choose a section and put in a veggie patch. Same reasoning isn't it? You feel like it, it would suit you so why does it matter it's their land?

timeisnotaline · 03/07/2017 07:50

But actually you probably won't go. You should reply by note, this is
my allocated parking spot, its one of three reasons I bought the house. Im not going to stop using it just as I'm not going to take my front door off and give it to you. I'm really not sure what there is to discuss?

timeisnotaline · 03/07/2017 07:50

*the not three

aaaaargghhhhelpme · 03/07/2017 07:52

Noooooooooo. Don't go! If you do you're agreeing there's actually something to discuss

There's not. It's your bloody space. You own it. End of.

Don't engage with this madness. It won't end well. I can guarantee they will get stroppy and aggressive and you'll be on your own in their house

Just politely decline. Be friendly. But firm. It's your space. You're happy to take it up with the council for them. Bla bla.

(I would ring the council now for help. They are bound to be on your side. But they might give you a contact to speak to your neighbour should they get arsey)

mugc4ke · 03/07/2017 07:53

I would not meet them to discuss your parking space. there is nothing to discuss.

just decline and get the council involved but don't give them a platform by going over and meeting them. and why should you go over to them in any case. They want something from you not the other way round.

disengage and contact the council.

AyUpMiDuck · 03/07/2017 07:56

Don't give reasons! They are not the judges in this case. Simply state it is your allocated space and you will be using it. Their access is not your problem. Don't have coffee there! And absolutely do not make a deal with them. You will be discussing the matter further with the council. End of.

burntoutmum · 03/07/2017 07:59

I can't believe the cheek of your neighbours! Good luck with the meeting

PossumInAPearTree · 03/07/2017 08:03

I wouldnt go to the meeting either.

EllaHen · 03/07/2017 08:03

Ach, maybe meeting for coffee is a good idea. They can't win but everything could become more pleasant than the letter writing. I realise I'm being hopelessly naïve.

TweedAddict · 03/07/2017 08:03

.

Rshard · 03/07/2017 08:07

Just to add, you only need planning permission for a dropped kerb if the road in question is classified. Residential roads are usually unclassified. Local highways department will advise.

Inertia · 03/07/2017 08:09

No, don't go round to discuss it with them! Just go direct to the council to report the problem.

CookieLady · 03/07/2017 08:17

Do not engage in a discussion. Refer it to the council. Good luck.

Dragonfree · 03/07/2017 08:17

Long time lurker, and I seldom post, but.... I thought a counter view was important enough to dust off my password.

I can see where everyone is coming from when they say "don't meet", however bear in mind that you (presumably) want to continue living there for the foreseeable future. If you don't meet with them, they're liable to be offended and perceive you as being difficult. It's likely to cause swift escalation (great for the thread, not so great for you!).

I would suggest going, but only to reiterate all the points above - they need to apply to council, it's your space until you hear otherwise, etc (by the way if they do put in a planning application, make sure you put in an objection - loss of house value etc. I wouldn't hide this from them in the meeting either).

Definitely take a friend if you can and consider recording the meeting - be open about, maybe laugh it off with a "do you mind if I record this, I've read how parking issues can get out of hand on mumsnet...."

You're definitely in the right here and should stand your ground, but bad feelings between neighbours are not fun.

Depending on how the meeting goes, investment in a motion camera for your car could be worthwhile (I'm thinking vindictive keying...).

KarmaNoMore · 03/07/2017 08:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

CatAnnoyance · 03/07/2017 08:22

Cheeky fuckers! They want to meet to try and sweet talk you into complying with their wishes. I'd meet them but stick to your guns OP. It's your allocated, approved car parking space. End of story.

WattdeEll · 03/07/2017 08:28

I like catkind's suggestion, kind approach but firm. I'd meet but not go in their house, as you'll be in a tricky situation when you have to leave having said no.
Also take the printed info from the above link in a helpful but assertive way.

averythinline · 03/07/2017 08:30

I wouldn't meet them - there is nothing to discuss...it is your parking space!

I would just drop a note saying that doesn't suit me and I don't think there is anything to discuss regarding my parking space.

If you do decide to go (seriously I wouldn't as it validates that there is something to discuss - unless they want to 'buy' your space off you in which case they can offer in writing)

Make sure you have someone with you.....
record the conversation..it is quite legal for you to do without telling them for your records - however you won't be able to use it unless you have their permission as well

woodhill · 03/07/2017 08:32

Out of interest OP, are you able to make a drive on your own property.

I know this is beside the point and I agree with the advice on here. It's your parking space. They have an illegal drive and should know better

ChangelingToday · 03/07/2017 08:32

I think just the fact that they've summoned you for the coffee is enough to put me off going, they obviously think much of themselves. I just wouldn't show up.

manicmij · 03/07/2017 08:36

They need to have a dropped kerb to fit regulations for a driveway and that needs council approval. They must be driving over a kerb and footpath which is an offence if witnessed by "official". Contact Council 're matter. Also most Councils have building warrant applications online so you could check if they have one (not planning applications). Sounds like a case of my needs need to be met regardless of other's.

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