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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To park my own car anywhere on my own land?

40 replies

ProfessionalPirate · 13/12/2017 17:31

I've got a small driveway at the side/rear of my house for 2 cars, one infront of the other. I'm planning to enlarge my driveway by adopting part of my back garden. This would involve removing a small stone wall and a few trees/shrubs, and replacing the turf with gravel. My neighbour is kicking up a massive fuss as he doesn't want the cars anywhere near the shared boundary. Does anyone know where I stand with this? Am I right in thinking that I have a right to park a car where I want on my own land??

OP posts:
SpecialAgentDaleCooper · 13/12/2017 17:33

You know the rules ..... we need a diagram Smile

ShowMePotatoSalad · 13/12/2017 17:35

System error 8008: diagram not detected

Redglitter · 13/12/2017 17:36

Can't see how it's any of his business

RainbowPastel · 13/12/2017 17:37

In my area you would need to get planning permission from the Council.

Whinesalot · 13/12/2017 17:37

I would have thought so.

WineAndTiramisu · 13/12/2017 17:38

Can't see he's got a leg to stand on personally, unless there's something odd in the deeds. Ignore him and do what you like!

ElenaBothari · 13/12/2017 17:38

I used to be a property lawyer.

The neighbour could have an argument if your new parking space would increase noise for him, block light for him, or otherwise cause harm to his land (e.g. If your driveway has worse drainage than your garden did, could his garden take the runoff water and flood?). Also there might (although unlikely) be something in the deeds about where cars can be parked.

But it would be a difficult case for him to prove, criteria to fulfil etc.

In this kind of situation I always think the person with the problem is the one responsible for building the case, so I'd respond saying as far as you're aware there is no legal reason why you cannot change the driveway as planned. Ask him to let you know by x date if he believes he has legal grounds to prohibit this.

If he has nothing then go ahead.

ineedamoreadultieradult · 13/12/2017 17:39

What is his issue? If he thinks it will be unsightly can you offer to put up some trellis etc

PeppaPigTastesLikeBacon · 13/12/2017 17:40

Depends on the type of wall as to if you can remove it. I’m guessing you’ll need planning permission so that’ll clear up any disputes.

And I agree with the above, we need a diagram otherwise this thread didn’t happen

Original poster
ProfessionalPirate · 13/12/2017 17:43

My bad! Wasn't sure this was interesting enough to warrant a diagram but here goes!

To park my own car anywhere on my own land?
OP posts:
Kursk · 13/12/2017 17:45

It’s your land so surly you are free to do with it as you so please.

Original poster
ProfessionalPirate · 13/12/2017 17:46

Thanks elena yes his concerns are noise and also headlights in his windows potentially (his house is quite close to the boundary and a bit further back from the road)

OP posts:
Original poster
ProfessionalPirate · 13/12/2017 17:47

It's a fairly low, ornamental wall so I didn't think I'd need permission to remove it?

OP posts:
PersianCatLady · 13/12/2017 17:50

It’s your land so surly you are free to do with it as you so please
No, you can't always do what you want with your own land.

extinctspecies · 13/12/2017 17:54

You should check with the council to see whether you need planning permission, or whether it would be permitted development.

Seeline · 13/12/2017 17:54

I don't think it would need PP, as long as the surface of the extended drive/parking area was of a permeable material. Gravel would be fine.

ringle · 13/12/2017 17:58

System error 8008: diagram not detected

:)

ringle · 13/12/2017 18:00

I know exactly what I'd do...

but I'm not going to say because I'm a tree hugger and feel sorry for the neighbour.

Besides, you've got Elena in your court who is clearly good.
Where she was when my horrible neighbour did all his stuff I don't know...

SukiTheDog · 13/12/2017 18:00

I should think you can do as your please, as long as there’s no building above a certain height. Also, you might need to check on the status of the trees.

Original poster
ProfessionalPirate · 13/12/2017 18:02

I will contact the council although the PO is only in for two half days a week and is really difficult to get hold of!

In the meantime I've made the mistake of telling the neighbour our plans before I'd looked into the legalities of it, and now I'm having to field his complaints! He want to come ove tomorrow to discuss further 😬

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 13/12/2017 18:03

if he thinks your headlamps will shine into his windows, perhaps you could erect a fence or dense hedge. Its height will be somewhere between the height of your headlamps and the height of his windows. Trig is your friend.

SukiTheDog · 13/12/2017 18:04

There’s nothing he needs to discuss. It’s not his property and none of his business.

JennyOnAPlate · 13/12/2017 18:04

Phone the Council and check op. It could be an expensive mistake if they make you put it back to how it was once you’ve done it!

JennyOnAPlate · 13/12/2017 18:05

Sorry x posts due to slow typing!

Allthewaves · 13/12/2017 18:06

Put a nice 6 foot high fence up that should block head lights

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