Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

Original poster

Privacy in garden

21 replies

Shibby585 · 20/04/2022 13:55

Neighbour took down fence to get hot tub in, no fence for 3 weeks, neighbour has got an extension on property with their kitchen window on the side of the property. Whenever I'm in the garden neighbour will appear so when fence went back up I asked for a 6ft fence rather than a 4ft one for privacy for myself and family. It was discussed this was no issue as long as light was not blocked.

6ft fence installed, brilliant I have some privacy. Neighbour calls fence people back out to reduce fence to 4ft because they don't like it. It didn't block any light to their kitchen just them seeing into our garden. Aibu for wanting some privacy in my garden and not having the neighbour able to see me while I'm in the garden.

How would you proceed I feel if I put something my side it will be seen as aggressive but the neighbour appears every time we are out.

OP posts:

FromOurHatsToOurFeet · 20/04/2022 13:56

So their kitchen window is on your boundary? You could always get a bench with trellis back and put it in front of the window.

Adeleskirts · 20/04/2022 13:56

That’s really your only option put your own fence in. You don’t have a right for them to do it for you.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 20/04/2022 13:57

Put some screening up on your side. They can't stop you doing what you want on your property.

Maydaysoonenough · 20/04/2022 13:57

Just out 6 ft up your side..

KrisAkabusi · 20/04/2022 14:02

From my reading of your post, there used to be a four foot fence in, and there's now a four-foot fence in. If you want a bigger fence, put it up yourself.

10HailMarys · 20/04/2022 14:02

I understand where you're coming from, because I really like my privacy in my garden too - but if it's their boundary, you can't dictate the height of their fence unfortunately - they don't actually have a legal obligation to have any kind of fence at all. However, you can do what you like on your side, so some kind of screening or trellis along the inside of the fence on your side (or even a fence of your own) is probably the way to go if you want more privacy. I'm looking into screening for my own garden at the moment and I'm also going to get some tall shrubs / small trees planted for a bit more vegetation cover too.

HoundHound · 20/04/2022 14:02

No screening, trellis or bamboo is going to be as good as a 6foot fence. I think I would try and have another chat with them and if they still go with 4ft I would put my own 6ft fence up.

KettrickenSmiled · 20/04/2022 14:06

I feel if I put something my side it will be seen as aggressive

Why would you feel this?
Neighbour agreed to 6 foot fence.
Neighbour then changed their minds.
You have not changed your mind.
So put up a trellis/screening/completely separate fence on your boundary to the 6 foot height you prefer.

That's not aggressive, & anyone who feels it is - is projecting wildly.

These neighbours obviously feel entitled to stare at you in your own private space. Not worth addressing with them again - they've already reneged on their word - so remedy this situation yourself & STOP WORRYING about what anybody else thinks about YOUR screening/new fence.
Your garden - your choice.

Londongent · 20/04/2022 14:09

I would just put a 6' fence up within your own boundary if it bothers you that much. Yes, it is quite passive aggressive, however it's within your rights to do it. However if it is spoiling your enjoyment of your garden then do what is right for you

Chely · 20/04/2022 14:14

Either put up a 6ft one on your land or plant fast growing hedge and have that as tall as you like to really piss them off.

ExMachinaDeus · 20/04/2022 14:21

How would you proceed I feel if I put something my side it will be seen as aggressive but the neighbour appears every time we are out.

I wouldn't worry about appearing 'aggressive.' Your neighbour isn't bothered about being intrusive. You could attach a trellis to your side. and grow nice plants up it/.

Original poster

Shibby585 · 20/04/2022 14:58

Funnily enough when I asked the neighbour I said if they were worried about light to put trellis up so I gave that as an option. We had a bit of a disagreement a couple of weeks ago where they were shouting and screaming at me which is why I think they have done it.

To be honest I knew this was going to happen as they really did not seem keen even though their light was not blocked at all.

Am I allowed to attach screen to their fence posts. I don't have enough room to put fence posts and a fence as it's the side of the house.

OP posts:

Londongent · 20/04/2022 15:16

You are not allowed to attach anything to their fence or fence posts without permission

SockFluffInTheBath · 20/04/2022 15:24

FromOurHatsToOurFeet · 20/04/2022 13:56

So their kitchen window is on your boundary? You could always get a bench with trellis back and put it in front of the window.

Something like this, smack in front of the window 😇

AccommodatingAlice · 20/04/2022 15:31

If you don’t have room for posts then eyelets on your house and tent peg type things attaching it into the ground?
sail

WildFlowerBees · 20/04/2022 16:09

Put your own fence up on your side yes you'll lose a little space but you'll have more control over your privacy, get a large umbrella or sail type cover and block their view of the area you're in.

Moonface123 · 20/04/2022 16:19

Just grow some shrubs or hedging, thats what l have done, my garden is really private now.

Original poster

Shibby585 · 20/04/2022 16:55

You know I wouldn't care but I work from home and sometimes take breaks in my garden, I'm constantly barraged by shouting over the fence when I'm trying to relax or when we are outside the neighbour magically appears.

OP posts:

SockFluffInTheBath · 20/04/2022 17:22

Are they shouting at you, or to you, or at/to each other and you can hear them?

if it’s at you then threaten to report them to the police for harassment. If it’s to you then ‘a bit of privacy please’ a few times will give them the message.

PonyPatter44 · 20/04/2022 17:28

Grow bamboo. It gets tall and screens idiot neighbours very nicely.

Original poster

Shibby585 · 20/04/2022 22:31

@SockFluffInTheBath its shouting me, always polite like excuse me, but sometimes i'm relaxing or busy doing something with my child. I don't know if it's just me but I feel like if you want to come and talk to me come and knock on my front door.

I have other stuff going on with said neighbour who has a habit of coming on my property and taking down fences and leaving the wood in dangerous places along with other things.

OP posts:

Flip