Neighbour wants to replace MY fence, I don’t want them to!

[Fencewoes]

We have recently had new neighbours move in next door. A month ago they said that they would like to replace all of the fences around their garden (sides and back) which includes replacing mine. They said they will pay for this as they want their garden to look uniform. At first I was on board with this, actually quite pleased at the thought of having a brand new fence as mine is quite old, however they have now said they will be replacing my current 4ft fence with a 6ft fence instead.

I have told them I do not want them to replace my fence with anything higher than 4 ft. They’ve now said that in that case, instead of replacing my fence, they will just build another fence against mine in their garden. So basically, I will retain my current fence, then there will be another in their garden, but I will have double fences on my side! Is this even allowed?

There is a caveat on our properties that our fences can’t be higher than 4ft.
All of us in our small close love the low fences.

OP. You might have the same. Do a little reserch

When I applied to adopt my dog part of the criteria was a 6ft fence around the whole garden - there was a home visit to make sure. Could be similar, or maybe they enjoy privacy..

Aren't you trying to bully them into having a 4 ft fence? It works both ways except they have the right to erect their fence within their boundary so either have the new fence or the odd look of theirs the other side of yours. Your choice.

Another one who doesn't understand why you wouldn't want a 6ft fence?

I had an extension built two years ago. My original plan was to have dug down the garden as it sloped upwards towards the back, to make it all the same level as the front half, but my builder convinced me to use the excavated earth to level off the back instead and build a patio area there. This meant that we could now see into the neighbours gardens whilst standing on the patio, on all three sides. I replaced all of the fencing, for aesthetics, but also so that we all got our privacy back.

If you don’t agree then as already mentioned they can just go up against your fence and it will look very ugly on your side. I did exactly this because I wanted privacy from my neighbours trampoline and my neighbours fence was collapsing anyway. We couldn’t come to an agreement so I just had my fence erected and unfortunately for them it made their side look an eyesore. I would hate to have a 4ft fence I like privacy.

Yes, do this. Just to remove any doubt in your new neighbours mind that you are going to be a problem neighbour. 🙄

This is a cutting of your nose to spite your face. Your neighbours are going to erect a 6ft fence. And are entitled to do so under planning rules and it’s understandable they would want the privacy that it provides. 6ft fences are the norm now.

You can choose to allow them to do so by replacing your old fence. Or you can be difficult and end up with an ugly double-fence, with 50cm of untended, weed-covered land between the shiny new fence and your old dilapidated one.

I enjoy a low fence. We have terraced gardens with right of access through them so you can see right into the gardens anyway, high fences just cut out all the light. But if my neighbours wanted to put up a 6ft fence it would be up to them. I'd just encourage them to get one that was slatted to let a bit of light in.

We have rescue greyhounds and the dog trusts didn't have any issue with our lower fences, although it may have been because we are serial greyhound adopters and none of them have escaped yet.

We have a 6ft fence, partly as we have dogs, and partly for privacy.

I have lovely neighbours, but I don't always feel like being sociable and chatting, especially in the morning. I like to sit in the summer with my tea and book without having to interact with the world.

Get a grip. Wanting privacy in their own garden is by far from bullying.

If they want to put up a fence in
their property then they are quite entitled to. They have given you a choice to share their new fence and you have declined. Why do your preferences trump their privacy?

Interesting that all gardens around have 4 ft fences. Might be worth checking your deeds to see if there's any mention of fence heights.

Personally I'd let them replace the fence. Good fences = good neighbours and i relish privacy. It might take some getting used to, but worth it I think.

I would not want two fences, it'll look awful and a gap will possibly collect rubbish/debris between it - I suppose you'll have to fish out the rubbish as you'll be able to see it and they won't!

I'd relent and get a free fence, they are expensive! And as a previous poster said you will still have the front to chat in and the back can be more private.

The other issue is that they will probably want the 'nice side' of the fence and give you the 'back side' which they are not supposed to do.

Isn't it a shame that '6ft is the norm now' - we (as a country) used to love a chat over the fence with the neighbours.

You could still probably do that out the front garden but in your back garden, 6 ft fences is becoming the norm and not the exception. People value their privacy.
I'm sorry @Fencewoes that you feel you're being bullied or pressurised into accepting the 6ft fences. This is what it is like when you live in a built up area (housing estate/row of houses) and you were always running the risk of your neighbours both past and present changing what height fences they had/have in their garden.

As others have said, yes it’s allowed. I can’t fathom why you’d not agree. I’d hate a 4ft fence - you must be able to see straight into your neighbours gardens.

Well, yes, yes you are so one death you must choose to die. Me, I'd just have the 6ft fence rather than my old crappy one and a new one behind but you do you.

You’re not being bullied into having a 6ft fence, they asked, you said yes then no, so they told you what they plan to do instead. It is their garden so they can do whatever they want. You’ve got 2 choices have a 6ft fence or have the 2 fences and have it looking dreadful

I'm nice so I gave my neighbour the nice side. When they replaced them later (not asked to, chose to when I was away) they didn't return the favour. Lesson learnt.

You’ve got no choice really but your want for a community feel doesn’t trump their right to privacy.

They can do a double fence.
I had to lose almost a foot of my garden to put a fence up as my neighbour didn't have one (it's their boundary).

High fences make good neighbours. I’d absolutely be putting a six ft fence up in their position.

No way do I want my neighbours nebbing in my garden, I don’t want a community feel, I don’t want to be talking to people in my garden. I want privacy.

that doesn’t mean I’m not a good neighbour. I’m a perfect neighbour. I’m quiet, I say hello, I help when asked, I take in parcels, I water plants when they’re on holiday, etc. but privacy is important in my space.

It feels like I am being bullied into accepting their offer to just replace mine with a 6ft fence.

Sounds like you're bullying them into keeping a fence height THEY don't want and to conform to your idea of community.

Up to you to plant something more visually appealing 🤷🏻‍♀️

It's definitely not a shame!