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AIBU?

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Original poster

To want higher fence panels between ours and NDN garden?

53 replies

SazCat · 09/05/2019 17:58

Our NDN have cut down all the bushes and trees in their garden and it has meant our lovely enclosed garden is now wide open, we are quite upset about it really as we love spending time outside.

It does looks very neat and tidy (even though I don’t really get the trend for empty gardens as I like a bit of greenery!) But it is now so open and we can now see into all the gardens of about 4 houses up (we live on a slope) and it feels like we have no privacy at all!

The fence panels between our decking patio area and their garden are only short and obviously the trees / bushes were providing the boundary and blocking the view to/from other gardens.

We have checked the deeds and the fence boundary is NDNs unfortunately. We haven’t been round to talk to them yet as just wanted to establish our options.

Ideally they will agree it's not good and we could share the cost of new fences.

Or if they aren't too bothered but they are happy to let us have taller posts and 6 foot fences put in then TBH we are happy to pay.

But we are wondering what happens if they say they like it how it is? Do we have any right to insist on taller fences (at our cost)?

OP posts:
OhTheTiles · 09/05/2019 17:59

You can do what you want on your land. You can put a 6ft fence just inside their fence, as long as you don’t attach it to theirs

FadedRed · 09/05/2019 17:59

Why don’t you just put a fence on your side of the boundary?

PinkCrayon · 09/05/2019 18:00

Theres nothimg stopping you from putting your own fences up along side theres or grow your own bushes?

Pollywollydolly · 09/05/2019 18:00

You can't insist on a higher fence, but you are perfectly entitled to erect your own fence inside theirs on your land.

Teddybear45 · 09/05/2019 18:00

No you don’t and if a new neighbour moves in as it’s their fence they can change it to suit them. If you want an enclosed garden then plant bushes / hedges in your side of the garden.

pigsDOfly · 09/05/2019 18:06

I was going to suggest the same as pp.

Unless there is some sort of covenant over your properties regarding fences you don't need their permission to put a six foot fence on your own land.

The fact that the fence on that side is their responsibility just mean they are responsible for its maintenance not that they have a right to decide on the height.

Original poster
SazCat · 09/05/2019 18:08

Thanks everyone, I did think we could put our own up on our side but our decking goes right up to the fence. In fact it is cut round where the concrete posts go iyswim. So would mean replacing all the decking I guess!

OP posts:
HomeMadeMadness · 09/05/2019 18:08

In the long term why not have bushes on your side? In the short term you can certainly put up your own fence.

NorthEndGal · 09/05/2019 18:11

Do what you'd like with your own, but I'd leave the neighbour out of it. It's not their issue, so they shouldn't need to pay.

Maneandfeathers · 09/05/2019 18:13

We put a 6foot on the inside of NDN tiny pathetic fence he refused to change, even at our expense.

Best thing ever!

HaudYerWheeshtYaWeeBellend · 09/05/2019 18:13

Your issue and your issue alone to resolve instead of thinking the neighbours will partly pay for something you want.

You can also erect a new fence with decking, gust cut the decking to size where the new posts will go (Decking is also easily removed, and can be relayed)

RedRiverShore · 09/05/2019 18:20

Our NDNs wanted a new fence as ours was sound but old looking so they paid to have a new fence, we didn’t mind in the slightest so if the fence is OK just ask if they mind if you pay for a new higher fence as that is what you would prefer. I don’t think you should ask them to pay anything if the fence is perfectly ok just not quite to your liking

Chloemol · 09/05/2019 18:24

When I moved in I had chain link fence between me and neighbours both those either side, and those behind. I put up a five foot wooden fence all the way round the three sides my side of the chain link fence and I maintain it. They can’t stop you from doing that in your garden

endofthelinefinally · 09/05/2019 18:28

I would put up a green chicken wire fence just inside the boundary, then put fast growing climbing plants in big tubs on your decking.
You can buy large oblong planters with trellis attached.

CycleWoman · 09/05/2019 18:29

YANBU! In our old house we had low fences on both sides and it was awful! Our neighbours were fond of their hot tub and all day drinking sessions and it really put me off using our garden. Moved in the end (not for that reason!) but it is a luxury to have relatively private outdoor space now.

ControversialFerret · 09/05/2019 18:34

Check on your council's website (as it can and does vary) but usually the maximum fence height you can have is 6 foot 6 inches as long as you aren't putting it next to a road.

In your shoes I'd be putting fencing up on my side of the boundary.

WutheringTights · 09/05/2019 18:37

Bamboo in pots on the decking?

Dippypippy1980 · 09/05/2019 18:39

I agree grow things up the fence. I did this as I could see through my fence into neighbours garden. I got fake leaves (I know) on trellis and stapled it to the fence then grew midnight jasmine over it. It make it look thicker and covered the gaps until the jasmine grew in properly.

I normally hate fake anything in a garden - but it looks good

birdonawire1 · 09/05/2019 18:42

Maybe plant bamboo as it grows really fast and tall?

SilverySurfer · 09/05/2019 18:43

Ideally they will agree it's not good

Since it was their decision to remove the bushes and trees in their garden I fail to understand why you imagine they would agree it's not good?

It's up to your neighbours what they do in their own garden and I'm betting they won't be interested in sharing the cost of replacing their fence - why should they? If you don't like it, it's your choice if you want to build a fence outside of their boundary and/or grow plants. If my NDNs asked me I would think they were being CFs and my response would be a firm 'no'.

Original poster
SazCat · 09/05/2019 19:50

Silvery - I just thought maybe they hadn't realised how open it would look? Went a bit snap happy? They're a young couple who didn't really do much to keep it all trimmed back so I guess they just want a low maintenance garden. Obviously we'll just have to have the conversation!

OP posts:
Dippypippy1980 · 09/05/2019 20:24

I think this is the problem when you rely on others trees and plants for privacy. ALthouh I do sympathise- if my neighbours cut down all their trees it would be a big change (although I would finally get some sun in my garden😊)

chippingalong · 09/05/2019 20:28

I agree with a PP for bamboo in pots on the decking. Super fast growing but the pots will keep it in check.

shouldwestayorshouldwego · 09/05/2019 20:29

Keep chatting to them over the fence, peering in and asking about mundane things they are doing, hire small children to repeatedly kick balls into their garden, and watch MN for threads about annoying neighbours and they will be told to put a higher fence. Alternatively just trim your decking and put in a hedge.

RaptorWhiskers · 09/05/2019 20:37

What height do you need to screen to? I’m guessing more than 6ft (maximum fence height) as your neighbours are uphill. If you plant a hedge the neighbours can whinge to the council if it exceeds 6ft and they’ll make you cut it down. A fast growing tree or bamboo is your best bet.

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