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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU Neighbour blocking right of access

61 replies

HouseIsOnFire · 25/05/2023 12:22

Hello, me again! We have an odd set up - we're a row of terraces that have two gardens each, separated by a path along them, which (in the deeds) we have a legal right of access to that canntt be blocked.

End neighbour has put a large wooden planter over the path (1m long x 50cm high/wide), blocking it. This is used as an outdoor litter box for her cat (not sure relevant-just pissed off!) Deeds state must have easy access to right of way.

Needed access today, so asked a couple of days ago if it could be moved and it wasn't. Tried to move it today and I couldn't (am generally pretty strong so this isn't me just being a weakling, was hoofing about 25kg boxes of tiles over the weekend). I informed them I couldn't move it and would ask workmen to do so so they can access. Neighbour's response was it can be stepped over? I said I found it difficult to step over with the slippy ground and they would be bringing equipment in, though really feel like it doesn't matter how easier it is to step over? It's not meant to be there?

AIBU you can step over it so nothing wrong with it being blocked like this, is "technically" not fixed down

AINBU Right to unhindered access means just that, you shouldn't have to clamber over a planter full of cat shit!

I was planning to ask about putting a gate there instead (but thank gos its on the market so will wait for new owners!), but this is more I am seething and don't know if I'm being unreasonable??

OP posts:
Nordicrain · 25/05/2023 12:24

Have you asked why they have put it there?

PuttingDownRoots · 25/05/2023 12:26

If you buy/rent a house with a ROW across the garden (quite common in terraces) you have to accept that people will need to use the ROW.

So yes, you are right to want to be able to access the path.

Original poster
HouseIsOnFire · 25/05/2023 12:35

@Nordicrain No, I try to avoid communication at all costs (see previous threads!), but would assume it's so there wasn't cat shit next to backdoor when they had viewings, which were last month.

People use the access maybe once or twice a month for the whole row, so it's not a protest on how much it is being used!

OP posts:
Nordicrain · 25/05/2023 12:40

HouseIsOnFire · 25/05/2023 12:35

@Nordicrain No, I try to avoid communication at all costs (see previous threads!), but would assume it's so there wasn't cat shit next to backdoor when they had viewings, which were last month.

People use the access maybe once or twice a month for the whole row, so it's not a protest on how much it is being used!

I just wonder if it was because kids on bikes of mopeds were using the path or something similar.

Original poster
HouseIsOnFire · 25/05/2023 12:54

Nordicrain · 25/05/2023 12:40

I just wonder if it was because kids on bikes of mopeds were using the path or something similar.

Show quote history

No, no kids on the row. It's window cleaners, taking bin around (though not regularly as these are housed on the front), that sort of thing. I work by a window looking out on it, literally used once or twice a month combined across the houses.

Even if it was bike storage, still have the right to do that...!

OP posts:
FloofCloud · 25/05/2023 13:02

Diagram or pix please I've not seen your other threads

SquishyGloopyBum · 25/05/2023 13:02

I'd tell them they need to move it. If they are selling it won't look good having a neighbour dispute.....

SunnySaturdayMorning · 25/05/2023 13:04

YANBU and if they wouldn’t move it I would get someone to move it for them.

RobertsRadio · 25/05/2023 13:09

I would ask your workmen to move it right away from the communal access, preferably right by the neighbour's back door, it's their cat so they can enjoy the sight and smell of their cat's shit.

Original poster
HouseIsOnFire · 25/05/2023 13:33

FloofCloud · 25/05/2023 13:02

Diagram or pix please I've not seen your other threads

Not my finest work but here you go. Previous threads are more about how batshit neighbour is than current situation! Brown blob is the planter

AIBU Neighbour blocking right of access
OP posts:
EnjoyingTheSilence · 25/05/2023 13:35

Yeah they need to move that

Original poster
HouseIsOnFire · 25/05/2023 13:37

RobertsRadio · 25/05/2023 13:09

I would ask your workmen to move it right away from the communal access, preferably right by the neighbour's back door, it's their cat so they can enjoy the sight and smell of their cat's shit.

It's currently sitting in the middle of their lawn! Couldn't really ask for it to be moved to the first garden, as they are fully private with no ROW

OP posts:
Original poster
HouseIsOnFire · 25/05/2023 13:39

SquishyGloopyBum · 25/05/2023 13:02

I'd tell them they need to move it. If they are selling it won't look good having a neighbour dispute.....

It would be an empty threat, I'd hate to do anything to delay them going!

OP posts:
Thesunwillcomeoutverysoon · 25/05/2023 13:41

Bet you a fiver they move and leave the pot...
Maybe even the dcat!

MaggieFS · 25/05/2023 13:42

Good diagram!

EdinaCrump · 25/05/2023 13:43

They need to get that shifted. I expect legally they need to at least allow for access with a wheelbarrow.

ThePurpleOctopus · 25/05/2023 13:46

They're selling up and put it there for viewings?

Surely that's the reason it's there - they want/wanted to give the impression the ROW isn't there or isn't used much (to the extent the new owners could even block it up, like with a planter).

I'd be very surprised if they weren't downplaying the ROW to potential buyers/new owners.

BanditsOnTheHorizon · 25/05/2023 13:48

Get someone to help you move it and leave it moved

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 25/05/2023 13:50

ThePurpleOctopus · 25/05/2023 13:46

They're selling up and put it there for viewings?

Surely that's the reason it's there - they want/wanted to give the impression the ROW isn't there or isn't used much (to the extent the new owners could even block it up, like with a planter).

I'd be very surprised if they weren't downplaying the ROW to potential buyers/new owners.

Yep, this I reckon.

RunningUpThatBuilding · 25/05/2023 13:52

I suspect PP are correct re: downplaying the ROW.

I would look out for potential buyers, wait for them to go out the back then loudly shout over, “That planters just been out there to detract from the ROW myself and the other neighbours have. It will have to be moved!”

I imagine it will be moved fairly quickly after that.

VegetablesFightingToReclaimTheAubergieneEmoji · 25/05/2023 13:57

ThePurpleOctopus · 25/05/2023 13:46

They're selling up and put it there for viewings?

Surely that's the reason it's there - they want/wanted to give the impression the ROW isn't there or isn't used much (to the extent the new owners could even block it up, like with a planter).

I'd be very surprised if they weren't downplaying the ROW to potential buyers/new owners.

its completely this to try and make the garden seem more secluded. Misleading twats
is it there in the pictures?

Original poster
HouseIsOnFire · 25/05/2023 13:59

@RunningUpThatBuilding @ThePurpleOctopus @GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut Very possibly, except it is written in plain English in the deeds and has come up with everyone buying here, and it's also that the whole of their garden is fenced except the gap to this very obvious path through (it is a literal path)

OP posts:
LightlySearedontheRealityGrill · 25/05/2023 14:00

Take a big spade, shovel all the dirt and cat shit onto their lawn and then roll the planter on top. Repeat if it is reinstalled.

RunningUpThatBuilding · 25/05/2023 14:01

It’s all very well that it’s in the deeds, how’s we of the neighbour says, “Oh it’s NEVER used - look I even put a planter there!” It completely misleads potential buyers and makes their house more sellable.

RunningUpThatBuilding · 25/05/2023 14:02

However if* the neighbour says….