To think my neighbour can drill a whole in my house to permanently hang a 15ft tarpaulin?

[Euro21widow]

So, name changed as obviously outting as pretty sure this isn't a normal occurance!

My neighbour has drilled a hole in my (grade 2 listed) building so she can permanently hang a piece of tarpaulin about 15ft up (as high as my 1st floor roof) for "privacy". Surely she can't just do this? Where do I go from here? It blocks all the light out to my ground floor windows now. Have included (bad) diagram.

Presumably the tarp gets lowered when it's windy to prevent it getting caught in strong winds?

What happens if a storm hits at night, or while she's out? Could it rip the fixings from the wall and cause even more damage?

It needs to go ASAP.

Any luck with the heritage lady?

This neighbour sounds like the biggest CF ever.

Seriously - just get someone one up there to unhook it and remove the screw, then bill her for damage! Your home!

Following as we also live in a terrace that is staggered so my neighbours house wall forms part of the boundary of my garden. I would never attach something to it - let alone without their permission.

I’ve not read all the posts , only your updates so I’m sorry if I’m repeating anyone but I did a quick google search on neighbours drilling into your wall and this is the answer from a solicitor:

“The fact that your neighbour has damaged your wall and erected a structure without your permission amounts to nuisance in civil law and probably criminal damage in criminal law. He cannot go around drilling holes in peoples buildings without their permission.

I suggest you a) obtain his details from Land Registry b) write a letter to him sent by recorded delivery (even though he lives next door) requesting that he remove the structure and put right the damage c) give him 7 days to comply d) if he fails to comply report him to the police for criminal damage e) instruct a solicitor to make a claim on your behalf.

If you think he is likely to move any time soon I suggest you take a note of their vehicle registration number and, if you can, a photo. Also take photographs of the damage and ask a surveyor to inspect the damage and give you a quote for putting it right. You will need this information if you decide to pursue a court case.”

Hope it helps, will be keeping an eye out for updates

Listed Building Consent needed for ANY ‘work’ done with the curtilage of a listed house and it’s the Conservation Officer who grants permissions etc.

Anything from the council?

She Is commiting a trespass on your property. The fact that it is listed is irrelevant. Tell her she has 10 days to remove it or face legal action. Do you have legal protection on your house insurance?

Wow, just wow 😳. Make sure you take this all the way, I would go nuclear if someone damaged my property to put something up for their own enjoyment. I would make sure she uses professionals to sort it out so it hits her pocket too.

I'm honestly gobsmacked someone would either be so entitled or so honestly thick that hey think this is in any was acceptable!

@euro21widow apologies if it's already been said, but if the flapping is causing a nuisance noise then you could go the environmental health route. We had to do this when the temple near us errected a massive wind chime.

If the council/heritage lady won't do anything about it, it would be a good idea to write to them, recapping the whole thing, including the fact that they won't act, and say you want an assurance from them in writing that any future issues as a result of this damage will be dealt with and financed by them.

I don't suppose for a second they'll agree but it might give them pause!

Has the heritage lady come back to you yet @Euro21widow

Can't you just take it down? It's just a matter of getting a man with a ladder round right? She can't stop you. Easier than getting a lawyer. She going to have a hard time proving she's allowed to drill into your wall.

I can't understand the logic of not paying for a solicitor when what she is doing is devaluing your home and potentially causing damage which will cost more. I think you need a quick consultation with a solicitor, in half an hour they will set you straight.

You can't understand the logic of not paying for a solicitor when there is no guarantee she'll get satisfaction even though she's paid out, potentially, hundreds of pounds and there's a possibility the council will provide a solution at no additional cost?

I suspect lots of human behaviour mystifies you, then.

A quick chat with a solicitor does not cost 'hundreds of pounds'. They tell you what your options are, often you can then take things forward without more solicitor time.

I used to be more reluctant to use them but these days I just get some advice at the outset. The thread started a month ago and no progress has been made!

We need a photo

@lannistunut

A quick chat with a solicitor does not cost 'hundreds of pounds'. They tell you what your options are, often you can then take things forward without more solicitor time.

I used to be more reluctant to use them but these days I just get some advice at the outset. The thread started a month ago and no progress has been made!

They tell what your options are but that doesn't necessarily mean you can take it forward from there on your own or without additional expenses. Hence my use of "potentially".

The OP is still hoping the council will take action and that will be sufficient. As far as we're aware she hasn't heard yet whether the "heritage lady" has looked at the matter.

I want to know why heritage lady takes such long holidays.

Any update @Euro21widow ? Hoping there’s been some progress in your favour.

how can she describe a VERTICAL tarpaulin as an awning! madness.

Have you made it clear to the planning department that it is blocking the light to your windows? Surely that can't be legal.

I know you say you can't get up to the tarpaulin to remove it, but can you get high enough within your own garden (or by opening your first floor window?) to cut through it? If it is on your property surely you would be allowed to do that?

You can't just 'learn to live with it', it sounds as though it looks ridiculous, and of course it will put potential buyers off!

Other option, if she's so into privacy, build a raised platform in your garden and all stand there and stare at her whenever she's in hers.