To put up a fence panel to block neighbours?

[holdthehonest]

My neighbour just had a driveway put in. Unfortunately for me it’s a semi-detached and I have a bay window. They now park their car just inches from my window (they park diagonally for whatever reason)

I was just sitting down now with a cup of tea in my living room, suddenly car lights in my face and my neighbour staring at me.

Just feels like an invasion of privacy and all I can seems to think to resolve it is by putting up a panel to block them out, but it would be very obvious as to why I’ve suddenly got a high fence panel in my front garden.

If a tall enough fence is not allowed, try some quick growing screening shrubs in planters - laurel is one, I think.

I would do it, fancy fence panels all the way down the front

Absolutely do it. You don’t need to explain it to them. But no pampas grass, the seeds blow everywhere and soon everyone has unwanted pampas grass. Plus isn’t it a bit 1970’s swingers 🤔

Isn't pampas grass for swingers homes? 🙃😝

You’re only allowed to put a fence of one metre/three feet at the front. Is that high enough?

Pampas is a good idea. Saves staring at an ugly panel when you’re enjoying your cuppa.

I'd put the fence panel up. It doesn't really matter if they know the reason why or not; neither action (the driveway or the fence panel) is cause for reasonable people to start an argument about it.

I can't really say without a diagram..

On the contrary, many cars (post 2012-ish anyway) have 'running lights' and are always on, even in daylight.

@holdthehonest What a weird and rude neighbour. I absolutely WOULD be putting a fence up. The highest you can put up is (I think) 3 feet at the front. Nevertheless, it would pretty much stop them doing what they're doing.

They're trying to dominate you, and show that they can do what they want. DO what YOU want, and put a fence up. Put it an inch or two onto your own land so they can't say anything. If they ask why, tell them 'we have put a fence up, because we want a fence, that's why.' Do NOT ask them permission or tell them you're doing it. Fuck-all to do with them.

I'm sorry but they must surely realise it's intrusive if they are staring in. The neighbours should be paying for a panel there to restore your privacy. Totally inconsiderate of them not to offer to pay for it once they realised.

Would be better if they reversed onto the drive or diagonally parked facing the other direction ?

Could you just put something shrubby in a large heavy pot next to the window? If you cement it down, we'll they'll only prang into it the once and then they'll learn to park considerately. But we do need a diagram OP!!

Do what the hell you want

They obviously don't care less about you

There are planning laws about placing high fencing near a highway. My neighbour just had an enforcement notice over this. In your situation, I would find trees or hedgerow that sheds flowers or other carbon matter. They won't want to park close to it in case it affects their bodywork. Looks prettier for you than a wooden fence that will fall apart in a few years of bad weather.

I would put up a high panel. Added bonus of diverting fumes if they leave engine running.
If anyone complains about the height, you can replace with lower one, but very unlikely anyone would mind.

Yep and me. I would also just mention it before doing it. I wouldn't ask, I'd just say that you are putting one up and it's nothing personal you just like your privacy.

Just ask them "Please could you not park so close to our window? "

Check your deeds, you might not be allowed a fence or panel in your front garden.
We aren’t allowed fences in our street at the front. But you can have large plants/bushes/trees though !
Like my attached neighbour who has pampas grass and some sort of mini fern trees.

Do it. We did it in our back garden, sick if being gawped at while in our conservatory or on the patio. We didn't tell them, just did it. It's bliss 😊

The easiest option would be to get one way glass film on that window so they cannot see in.

My neighbours used to put their manky bins by my bay window, couldn’t open them in the summer due to the flies and smell. I Put up covered trellis and hang a fly killer on it , they’ve moved the bins now to the front of their garden, they still stink when you walk by but not by my window anymore, funny thing is the say my fly killer stinks but heyho!!

Mention to them that you are considering a fence and tell them the reason why. If they do not park a different way then get the fence.

I'd go for that privacy sticky stuff over a fence that would mean you are then just staring at a fence.

Something like in the photos attached?

Quick growing shrubs in tubs. Bamboo are great if confined.