So, we moved into our forever home around three years ago. We are in a semi and our neighbours are older (70s) and have lived in the house since their children were babies. We moved in and so far have got on fine, don't think our kids annoy them too much!
The issue is the shared fence - we've just finished having an extension done on the house which has taken the back of our house level to theirs (they already had an extension at the rear). The shared fence is low, probably about 4ft. It didn't bother me before as I felt we had some privacy as we were set further back.
However, now whenever I walk out the back door the fence is below chest height so I feel like we are in the garden with them! I need to get the fences changed anyway on both side (i.e. the shared side and the side with an alleyway) as we have dogs and because they are both falling down.
I've had a quote and I'm more than happy to pay for both sides. I mentioned it to the neighours the other say that I'm getting them changed and she asked how high. I said 6ft (that way they won't be able to see right into my kitchen/dining/living area when they are in their garden). She wasn't happy and said no way, it needs to be same height so they dont' feel penned in and that they have lived here a long time. They told me the middle fence is actually theirs and not shared.
What do I do? I really want privacy and want high fences but I don't want to fall out with my neighbours. AIBU?