Neighbours have raised their garden and now overlooks ours!

[Higgs789]

Our row of new build houses have gardens that slope away from the house. Our neighbours have recently just levelled their garden by building decking that is level with the house, which means by the end of the garden they’re torso height above the fence. Not only that but they’ve built a pergola at the end of the garden and put a hot tub. This pretty much touches our boundary fence and means they can easily see into our garden when they use it. They said they would put trellis to screen but instead they’ve put fairy lights all over it! I think they need planning permission to raise the level that much but we’re going insane from the lights and the noise of the hot tub. I’m tempted to call the planning office but I don’t know if I’m being unreasonable? HELP

Buy your children footballs, many footballs, and draw circles on the fence. Highest points and biggest prizes right at the top,

I’m on Ipad. I type in the message and below the box, it says ‘Images (up to x number per day)’ and then you can click on ‘choose file’, which is located to the right of this text. You may not be able to post yet if you’ve just created your account. I imagine it’s to indecent pics etc.

Many, many windchimes.

Bastard things.

Wind chimes are your friend.

Honestly, where do I find that? 😂

I don’t think newbies can post photos.

For something smelly - go and ‘borrow’ a full council dog poo bin. Especially before a nice warm bank holiday weekend.
Leave it right next to the fence by the hot tub.

@Higgs789

Our row of new build houses have gardens that slope away from the house. Our neighbours have recently just levelled their garden by building decking that is level with the house, which means by the end of the garden they’re torso height above the fence. Not only that but they’ve built a pergola at the end of the garden and put a hot tub. This pretty much touches our boundary fence and means they can easily see into our garden when they use it. They said they would put trellis to screen but instead they’ve put fairy lights all over it! I think they need planning permission to raise the level that much but we’re going insane from the lights and the noise of the hot tub. I’m tempted to call the planning office but I don’t know if I’m being unreasonable? HELP

How much of the garden is covered by the decking?

Putting up decking, or other raised platforms, in your garden is permitted development, not needing an application for planning permission, providing:

<span class="italic">The decking is no more than 30cm above the ground</span>
<span class="italic">Together with other extensions, outbuildings etc, the decking or platforms cover no more than 50 per cent of the garden area.</span>

None of the decking or platform is on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation.

I personally would speak to planning asap. You can find things out before deciding to take it further *remember you would have to declare if you lodge a complaint).

to make nice (really unpleasant) smell: get old bin with tight fitting lid - put in weeds/nettles & cover with water & let it ferment place near hot tub - when they come out take off lid place lid back on when they go in
this makes excellent liquid manure very good for tomatoes & the smell when mature is rank

My local authority requires planning permission for decking where it would exceed 0.3m. Also tends to remove PD rights for newbuilds.

@lannistunut technically when you inform planning its not a complaint ... as you are not complaining to them or taking legal action -so she won't have say anything when she sells

They are horrid can you screen on your side.
A few good ideas like compost heap, wind chimes and bug houses and bird feeders . I like the trampoline one.
Set alexa up on side and remotely have her do random sounds like big farts.

Have a look at your Deeds for any restrictive covenants

@Higgs789

England

If you'd said Scotland I'd have asked if you were my mum. She's having the exact same CF neighbour issue. I can't believe it's so common. Reminds me of this ep of King of Queens

you can get noise barrier fencing, install it as high as allowed and you could raise a sail higher than the fence where they can see you, ostensibly for shade, but it will provide privacy, and as its 'temporary', no planning issues.

If you have a large garden, make 'rooms', the one next to the hot tub can be a veggie garden/composting area, couple of fish heads could fester nicely for them- or there's a plant that has a natural cat pee stink- cant recall the name but someone will know...

...though ideally you just want to enhance your enjoyment of your garden and not spoil theirs.... unlike their actions so far.

Go out every time they're in the hot tub and ask them if they are believers. Then start reading from the bible to them. Do this every single time.

@Higgs789 pm me the pic and I’ll post it.

In my experience hot tubs are very quiet actually

I add photos by clicking ‘choose file’

Archchancelor the one next door to me isn't!! They may seem that way when you are in them, but they aren't when you live next door!

Horse poo will help especially with the flies.
Bluetooth speaker or Alexa reading the Bible or other stories.
I mean you could do a language coarse and let them listen!

Borrow a barking dog

Plant huge trees that mount everywhere

Get a deck chair and a tub of popcorn. Every time they’re out sit and watch them. Maybe even go as far as buying opera glasses.

As your house is a new build there is very likely some restrictive covenants imposed by the developer to prevent this sort of thing. Particularly if they are still building on the development. Ask the solicitor who acted on your purchase to check this out.