New neighbour using my private garden...

[Wattyyyy]

...

I've been left open-mouthed by some thread on MN this week, but I think this one tops the lot :(
Hope you have a peaceful evening OP.

OP, don't engage with them this evening. And do please try to get a friend round to be with you. You must look after your personal safety now.

somerset I've made sure I've got copies of everything, which proves the garden is mine so that's something!

I'm off work tomorrow as well thankfully so hopefully this can all be sorted asap. Although I don't see us being very friendly after this

It could be, of course, that they are still oblivious and the builders haven't told them anything (long shot) it'd be quite ridiculous if they just went out and sat in the garden (I'm really trying to see the funny side!)

I agree with the PP who suggested that these people may have got the idea that OP was going to move, and that they could quickly take over the garden before the new inhabitant of OP's flat arrived.

I would also suggest calling 101 and letting them know the situation, in case the neighbours do become aggressive once they realise you are onto them and not going to let them get away with it - if you have already logged a potential problem the police will be aware of the situation if you need to ring them.

Have they put a lintle in where the window was? I'd be concerned about the wall collapsing!

Oh dear it's definitely going to be a very very expensive non door. I can't believe they thought it would be OK.

I agree with the other PPs, OP, I would lock all doors and close all curtains/blinds, and then ignore them if they knock at the door.

Leave it to the planning officers.

I am delighted to hear that you're off work tomorrow, OP! I look forward to real-time updates!

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No shame

Bloody hell! Cannot believe the cheek of them - glad you've taken lots of pictures. Much as I want to say confront them, I would totally hide with curtains shut too!

Just thinking, can you find a picture that has the window in the way it was to show the planning department tomorrow? I know it's a long shot; but is there one of your garden that includes it? If yours or your neighbours flat has been sold in the last few years, the estate agents pictures will still be online in case one of those might include it? Just thinking that a comparison might be useful for the planning person. I'd also dig out the house deeds that show garden is yours too!

Cannot wait to hear what planning have to say about this; my guess would be A LOT!!!

The builders will have told them, they will know they just committed a criminal offence, hence why they tried to take the stickers off and just fucked off immediately on confrontation.

It's genuinely not your problem, you won't have to stand your ground or anything, because it's listed the planners will be all over it. It's a totally different thing to if it was a non listed house. It's a heritage asset and it's illegal. They won't fuck about.

OP what will you do if they come home and walk straight into your garden either to clean up/dispose of the smashed up original window or to take the air now that they can? They will be trespassing I know but do you have a plan?

They are almightily cheeky, stupid fuckers by the way.

yikes!

Tbh if you have planning control coming round tomorrow, then maybe don't say anything tonight?

I am also horrified when people buy stuff and change it like that.

What is wrong with people!

(And yes ILoveBanff - got the wrong end of the stick there, sorry!)

I still think it is a relative, perhaps the father of one of them, who told them that it would be alright as once its in what are you going to do about it?

I assume they just have a massive great hole in the side of their house? Have the builders covered it up or anything?

Unbelievable! I'm fuming on your behalf - thank goodness the council are concerned and visiting. Hope it's all a genuine mistake and resolves for you.

In a way, it's quite lucky that the building is listed as it means it is out of your hands, and you don't have all the legal shit of enforcing them to put everything back - the council will do that. So as much as possible, leave it to the council.
They will need access to your garden to put it right. Ask that they give you notice in writing. When you give your consent in writing, also make it clear that you want your garden putting back as it was (take photos), not infringed on anymore than is necessary, and specify when the work can take place. It is reasonable to specify normal working hours (i.e. not evenings and weekends).
Here is some information on the Party Wall Act

Bit pernickety, but if I were you, I would not let them even use your garden to come and talk to you. Point out that they do not have access to your garden, and ask them to come to the front door.

God I'm fuming in your behalf!!! Hoping you get it sorted op. But be safe, try and have someone with you when you talk to them! X

Take out some chairs for now and wedge the doors closed with them - you dont want them installing loads of stuff in your garden to try and claim it.

WTF! Some people astound me! How could they put doors in (regardless of the listed building) without even speaking to you first? Bunch of bell ends.

I do hope the building hasn't been made unsafe by the removal of that wall.

I am totally and utterly gobsmacked at the audacity of these people!!! Make sure you give them hell, but be polite and calm at all times
Good luck!

I think I can picture the sort of window arrangement that was there before. Is it a sort of Tudor style? There are some old buildings around here with similar - it looks as though there should be a door either side of the window but it's just solid wood and/or brick?

If they've smashed through that to install a cheap plastic patio door then it's a travesty!