Page 22 | Neighbour wants to replace MY fence, I don’t want them to!

Fencewoes · 2024-03-27T12:33:47+00:00

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?

Denimdenimdenim · 31/03/2024 20:21

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My neighbours the same...we've just had a quote of £1600 to have a fence erected our side of her fence....Gulp.

RubyOtter · 31/03/2024 20:26

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Denimdenimdenim · 31/03/2024 20:28

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So frustrating isn't it! We have put up some privacy screens and a huge blackberry bush to try to give our house some privacy, yet still be civil... It's just not the same 🙈

RubyOtter · 31/03/2024 20:32

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Boysnme · 31/03/2024 20:41

I’m in both camps on this one.

in our new house, on once side something similar has happened and it looks shit. I have no idea why they didn’t just take the 4 foot fence down and replace it with 6ft. Suspect the neighbour in our house didn’t want it. As we jointly own the fence they didn’t leave a gap (which would have been even worse to look at in fairness) they just attached another 6ft fence to the other side so I now can’t replace the original one without taking theirs down.

on the other side of me, where we had a 4ft fence it was nice but my neighbours are a nightmare with kids and balls. We had to replace it recently and I’ve put up a 6ft one so I have a 6ft all round my garden now. Utter bliss!

so while you feel bullied, you are not but unfortunately they are going to put a 6ft fence up regardless so you may as well have it looking nice!

Paul2023 · 31/03/2024 21:01

The neighbours want a 6ft fence for privacy, and to match the the other fences. I wouldn’t want a 4th fence either and I like my neighbours.
Why would you object unless you like looking over into their garden ?

Years ago as kids ,my dad had new fencing installed in our garden and the lady next door complained whilst the man was doing it. She caused a fuss and never spoke to us again! Infact she moved shortly afterwards!

My dad was a dog handler and needed a 6ft fence because he was worried the dog could jump over the fence into next door.

Coffeeismyfriend1 · 31/03/2024 21:17

We have a mostly 6ft fence on one side, the previous people put a 4ft right at the bottom and our previous neighbour’s son used to hang over it and try to interact with my son/interrupt us when we were sat eating on the patio/generally annoy us! I wished the whole thing was 6ft to be honest! At the other side we have a 4ft fence and there is a 4ft fence on the other side of that garden. We don’t mind that as both the old bloke next door and the family next to him are lovely and we shout hi/have a conversation over the fence etc.

They may just value their privacy and a 6ft fence is fairly standard in most places these days. It’s not like it will affect you shouting to neighbours two doors down as there will be a 6ft fence on the other side stopping you .

Ferniebrook · 31/03/2024 21:19

I'm with you on this - it is frustrating. My neighbour did exactly the same. However, I got used to the new fence and now enjoy the privacy. And paid nothing...

QuickDraining · 31/03/2024 21:32

Well OP, I get it, I think closed board fences are pretty vile, and would take a green hedge over that any day of the week. If you have the luxury of a wide garden than at least you can obscure with planting.

We have narrow sloped gardens and high fencing would be really horrible and oppressive. I prefer open fencing with planting. But that's just me.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 31/03/2024 21:34

We've got a 6' fence one side and 4' the other and I hate the 4' fence. I can't change it though as the garden is only 8' wide and it would be like a tunnel and we'd get no sunlight! If I had a big enough garden it would be 6' all round.

Imisssleep2 · 31/03/2024 21:42

Yes they can do this, it's on their land so you can't stop them and fences are allowed to be 2meter/6ft anything taller would need planning permission though.

Walkden · 31/03/2024 21:49

"Yes it’s allowed and the max height by law is 6ft so unfortunately they’re not doing anything wrong."

Is it actually 6ft though? I thought 2m is the limit without planning permission which is 6ft 6 which usually means a 6 inch gravel board and a 6ft panel but you could have higher with pp.

Magicmonday24 · 31/03/2024 22:01

Just accept the 6foot fence then. I don’t see the issue. They’re not asking you to pay for it so…

Concannon88 · 31/03/2024 22:11

Fencewoes · 27/03/2024 12:47

Every other garden here has 4ft fences, it has a real community feel. They will be the only ones in the row that have 6ft fences.

What's that got to do with anything? One persons "community" is another persons invasion.

Concannon88 · 31/03/2024 22:15

12345change · 27/03/2024 22:25

Good for you 😂 although you’re missing the point. Don’t think it’s that weird to ask your neighbours to pull out your bins etc when you go on your summer holiday. Bullying don’t be ridiculous 😂 I’m sure if everyone acted like a grown up this could be resolved quickly and keep everyone happy. Based on some of the comments on here no wonder people don’t want to engage with their neighbours!

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It's not that weird to want a 6ft fence. Ok as a grown up how can it be resolved?

Daisyblue77 · 31/03/2024 22:17

I understand how you feel, i had lovely trees all across the end of my garden, the people behind me tore them all down and put up a 6 foot fence. Every time i look at it i hate it. But in your case its going to look ridiculous with 2 fences. You cant win this one so you should accept the new fence

Concannon88 · 31/03/2024 22:23

TheAlchemistElixa · 31/03/2024 10:21

I would hate it if either of my neighbours erected a huge tall fence. Currently our entire row has only 2-3 foot fences, and it’s lovely. The light pours into everyone’s gardens throughout the day and evening, you can see across the whole row so it makes our individual gardens feel much bigger, it adds to a community feeling, and it still remains private.

I would be incredibly upset I to have a six foot fence forced on me from either side. Horrid.

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You've just hit the nail on the head. "You can see across the whole row" most people don't want others seeing into their garden.

Atethehalloweenchocs · 31/03/2024 22:42

I totally get where you are coming from OP - 4ft is the standard in my neighbourhood and it is lovely - people talk over their fences all the time and it really enhances the community feel. I would hate to see 6 ft fences as standard here.

DorisDoesDoncaster · 31/03/2024 22:48

They will then see it as “their” fence, don’t allow it unless it’s in a style that you want

Femme2804 · 31/03/2024 22:52

Its a nosey neighbourhood 😂😂 i’ll put 6ft fence also if i were your neighbour.

Wibblywobblylikejelly · 31/03/2024 23:23

DorisDoesDoncaster · 31/03/2024 22:48

They will then see it as “their” fence, don’t allow it unless it’s in a style that you want

Edited

Well they're going to get what they want either way.
It's OP who is losing out by not comprising.

TheAlchemistElixa · 31/03/2024 23:34

Concannon88 · 31/03/2024 22:23

You've just hit the nail on the head. "You can see across the whole row" most people don't want others seeing into their garden.

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Sure, I get that. But if the OP’s neighbour bought the house knowing and seeing every other neighbour had low fences already, and were presumably happy with that and liked the status quo, it shouldn’t be unsurprising to them that they might meet a (totally reasonable) objection to them nearly doubling the height of the fence.

if I wanted privacy so badly, I might have - in their position - considered a different house instead, or enquired with my potential new neighbours before purchasing the house.

this doesn’t mean they’re not technically within their rights to do whatever the hell they want, but I sympathise a lot with the OP. It’s my neighbour nightmare, being fenced in against my will, with no recourse to stop it happening.

Wibblywobblylikejelly · 31/03/2024 23:39

TheAlchemistElixa · 31/03/2024 23:34

Sure, I get that. But if the OP’s neighbour bought the house knowing and seeing every other neighbour had low fences already, and were presumably happy with that and liked the status quo, it shouldn’t be unsurprising to them that they might meet a (totally reasonable) objection to them nearly doubling the height of the fence.

if I wanted privacy so badly, I might have - in their position - considered a different house instead, or enquired with my potential new neighbours before purchasing the house.

this doesn’t mean they’re not technically within their rights to do whatever the hell they want, but I sympathise a lot with the OP. It’s my neighbour nightmare, being fenced in against my will, with no recourse to stop it happening.

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That's absolutly ridiculous.

A fence is like the colour of the walls.
It's not a deciding factor as it's so easily changed to match the taste of the owner.
They aren't doing anything to OP.
They made a lovely offer. She's welcome to decline and then they will make it so everyone has what they want.
OP has the fence she wants and they have the one they want.

TheAlchemistElixa · 31/03/2024 23:41

Wibblywobblylikejelly · 31/03/2024 23:39

That's absolutly ridiculous.

A fence is like the colour of the walls.
It's not a deciding factor as it's so easily changed to match the taste of the owner.
They aren't doing anything to OP.
They made a lovely offer. She's welcome to decline and then they will make it so everyone has what they want.
OP has the fence she wants and they have the one they want.

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It’s absolutely a deciding factor for me, so therefore not completely ridiculous. And if the OP was going to get the fence they want, then they wouldn’t be posting on here would they?

Blondebrunette1 · 31/03/2024 23:43

TheSnowyOwl · 27/03/2024 12:36

They can put up any barrier (up to 6ft) on their side of the boundary.

I would remind me them that they won’t have any access to your land and you don’t give them permission to move your fence in any way. As a result, I think they would struggle to get any secure foundations in for their fence which might end up causing damage to your fence - again, point out they will be liable for repairing your fence if their fence or installation causes any damage.

It won't cause any damage at all, my husband did ours and you don't need access to both sides to fit it. Why on earth would you be so unreasonable towards your neighbours? Surely it's better to get on.