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?

They would be within their rights to kill or remove anything growing on their land. If I was feeling arsey I would put in a boundary marker before erecting the new fence so that there could be no forgetting over time. I have had permitted use of a strip of land belonging to my neighbour for more than 30 years. This is the second neighbour in that house that has agreed to this. The actual boundary is marked on the deeds on the land registry and this does not change regardless. Here's the story on adverse possession. Its very unlikely that the OP could get ownership of that strip of land. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adverse-possession-of-registered-land/practice-guide-4-adverse-possession-of-registered-land

If someones is offering to replace a fence for free but you don’t want it replacing, it is your own fault if it looks odd. I like privacy in my garden and they are in their right to put a higher fence up. They were being considerate offering to replace so it looks nice on both sides. You will just have to accept how it you looks if you want to keep your fence.

We had a similar issue with house next door, the landlord refused the offer to replace a 5ft with 6ft fence at no cost to him whatsoever. We just put our fence up next to his and now it looks silly their side. Apologised to renters but i’m entitled to put mine up.

People like and are entitled to privacy especially in their own garden.

Because I like to be private in my own space

I would be over the moon if my neighbours put up a 6ft fence! A very private garden is a blessing.

The neighbours not putting up a 6ft fence around OP's house....

OP will be left with 1 side of 1 fence (the one facing her property) & 3 old ones (already there in the original style) that face the other neighbours/road ect.
& will have to either pay the same builder to Install the same one around the other 3 sides to get them to match & have a "private garden" or have a double-fence with the cost of replacing the 3 footer herself as id imagine the neighbours won't care much once they cant see it.

Let them replace your fence! It's completely legal and unfortunately they can and will do it and yours will look daft.

Our neighbours did this without asking, I really wish they had just asked about replacing the fence because whilst we have a fence around the perimeter we had been thinking of replacing ours anyway! Unfortunately they did it whilst we were away for a fortnight, we knew they were having the garden done but they just didn't mention the fence.

Hopefully image will attach, this is a 4 foot on our side but a 6 foot on theres because our garden is tiered...

One option as a compromise would be to put up a 4ft fence with 2ft trellace on top. You’d need to pay for this though. This is what I’ve done as I keep more light and it’s great for growing things against. On the other side my neighbour has a 6ft monstrosity which is pretty much falling down but I’ve been loathe to pay to replace

Thing is they are not trying to box op in. It’s one side of her entire garden will be 6ft. She can still be community minded and what not on her other two sides. Since the 6ft is coming like it or not it seems silly to not just have the fence on the boundary.

Though odds are once one person finally has the balls to break the patten lots will follow.

Can’t think of anything worse than a whole row of neighbours with 4ft fences 🤣🤣🤣🤣

I know I’m in the minority with it. To me it feels like being stuck in an ugly brown box. Different if it’s a high hedge - at least they are natural and full of birds - but everyone seems to be cutting their hedges down in favour of fences.

I guess if you have a large garden a fence probably doesn’t seem too oppressive, though.

@TheBerry you can grow things up the fence

Nothing to stop you growing a hedge or other shrubbery against the fence.

yup, this is what I have done. Hedges aren't secure for dogs nor (in my case) for my tortoise.

Don't make an enemy of your new neighbors. Just accept the fence and say thank-you

I have read the OP's posts, but not all the rest so sorry if I am just repeating.

I am actually with @Fencewoes on this. I agree 100% that the neighbours have the right to put up whatever fence they like, though hopefully they won't leave half a metre between the fences. With nobody mowing or weeding that gap it will look awful in no time.

I grew up with four foot fences or walls between gardens, and it meant everyone could see around their neighbourhood, you stood at the fence and chatted, kids made plans, if you were sunbathing you could talk to each other, when you had a bbq food was passed over the wall. A six foot fence is for people who want to enjoy their personal space without feeling observed or the need to engage with their neighbours. That's fine too.

I am not saying one is better than the other. OP's neighbours have the right to their privacy and they cannot stop them. However, I am with OP that four foot fences are nicer. When I bought my first place we had a four foot fence with one neighbour and a six foot with the other. Both neighbours were equally lovely, but I had a much better relationship with the one I could see and talk to when we were both gardening.

Agreed!! Sounds like my worst nightmare, having a 4ft fence

Yes, it is allowed. Guess you should have taken action sooner?

People in our street have 2 fences. One (neighbour X) wanted to replace with a higher one for their dog. Neighbour Y wouldn't pay towards it so X built a taller one next to Ys. Generally it's not an issue but low fence is painted , taller fence is not as Y won't allow X onto their property to paint it.

I would hate a 4ft fence I.wanna sit in my hottub doing what I want. I don't want chit chat I don't I just wanna live my life in my garden. I also have a 6ft fence around the whole garden

How can they not reach it from their own garden?

Who on earth wants a 4ft fence...

You cannot paint something that’s not yours and that includes fencing

Yes it’s allowed and the max height by law is 6ft so unfortunately they’re not doing anything wrong. They probably feel 4 ft is too low and want more privacy in their garden

They cannot touch your fence, but they absolutely can build their own fence on their side.