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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask neighbour to reinstate the fence as was?

45 replies

CadFinnk · 13/04/2024 18:48

My new next door neighbour recently changed the fence between us (they own that one).

Whereas the house builder 15 years ago used a 1 foot gravel board, due to their house and pavement being 1 foot higher, they have chosen a 6 inch gravel board that 'floats' my side and results in their soil and stones seeping under the fence, onto my narrow flower bed and over my patio.

I've shown it to them and their view is that it isn't an issue, because their side is ok. They haven't offered any solution, they said they 'were inside' when the fencer did the work so aren't accountable apparently. They used concrete posts and there isn't space on them for another gravel board.

Aibu to push them to reinstate the 1 foot gravel boards, level with my pavement? I'm very unhappy with the crap job that was done that continues to impact me - I shovel soil every week, which they deny being an issue, they say they will just backfill with soil 🤯

To ask neighbour to reinstate the fence as was?
OP posts:
Original poster
CadFinnk · 13/04/2024 18:49

Nb the photo is after I've shoveled soil to another part of my garden, which is now full.

OP posts:
Cazpar · 13/04/2024 18:51

You can't insist that they change their fence.

You can only change yours. I'd suggest sorting something out on your side.

FlickFlackTrap · 13/04/2024 18:52

If the soil is coming from their side should you not be dumping it back over to them? Do you think explaining this might make them sort it out?
Alternatively you could just dig down on your side making the problem even worse for them. How long can they continue to top the soil up for.
Maybe I’m just petty but I’d want it sorted too. Can you seek legal advice?

calligraphee · 13/04/2024 18:53

It's their fence, so up to them. You can put something on your side.

FusilliNom · 13/04/2024 18:53

Up to you to sort your side

Original poster
CadFinnk · 13/04/2024 18:53

@Cazpar thanks, I guess as I've always been a good neighbour to the other side, paying for replacement gravel boards etc when mine were rotten, I'd hoped for the same? Maybe I'm just a good neighbour then.

OP posts:
socialdilemmawhattodo · 13/04/2024 18:53

I have x 2 concrete gravel boards on my concrete posts, because I specified that due to similar issues of height. But it was more expensive. So clearly your neighbours decided to specify only 1. So this issue is due to their lack of thought.

Lindy2 · 13/04/2024 18:54

Plant some shrubs along that length of fence. That will cover any gaps and will look much nicer than that current bare earth.

CallMikeBanning · 13/04/2024 18:55

I think you need to put something up yourself if you mind the soil falling through.

Cazpar · 13/04/2024 18:55

CadFinnk · 13/04/2024 18:53

@Cazpar thanks, I guess as I've always been a good neighbour to the other side, paying for replacement gravel boards etc when mine were rotten, I'd hoped for the same? Maybe I'm just a good neighbour then.

If your gravel boards are rotten, of course you pay for replacements.

I get it's annoying but it's up to you to sort out your own fence if you don't think your neighbours is adequate.

LatteLady · 13/04/2024 18:55

Is that picture taken from your side or their side of the fence?

Original poster
CadFinnk · 13/04/2024 18:56

@Lindy2 thanks, there's about 15 feet of this floating gravel board, shrubs may be the answer then.

OP posts:
NotTooOldPaul · 13/04/2024 18:57

I think I would put a piece of plywood as temporary shuttering and then mix concrete and fill the gap under the gravel board.
I would probably do one section at a time to make it easier.

TheDandyLion · 13/04/2024 18:57

Holes are good for hedgehogs.

Original poster
CadFinnk · 13/04/2024 18:59

@Cazpar so I think you're saying, that legally I could replace the fence the other side of my house and do the same to my nice neighbours by having a floating gravel board that allows my garden to seep through (each house is stepped).

I wouldn't do that obv, as I get that it's nice to put in a fence that suits both sides.

@LatteLady the photo is from my side.

OP posts:
LatteLady · 13/04/2024 19:03

If that is on your side, then their footings are on your property and they need to sort that out, don't they? A visit to your solicitor or check you insurance or bank account as they often have legal access as part of the package.

SM33 · 13/04/2024 19:06

I have the reverse of this problem. Our garden is higher and gradually the end of our garden is falling through to the neighbours. So i guess eventually the neighbours will realise they are losing their garden to you and will want to sort the problem!

Scampuss · 13/04/2024 19:09

They need to retain their own garden!

You might need legal advice on this.

Bearbookagainandagain · 13/04/2024 19:13

It's rubbish but insisting they reinstate the fence won't get you anywhere. There is 0 chance they pay for that, it would be crazy. Your only option is to find a solution on your side, get builders in to understand your options, and make sure you can get their consent in writing before using their posts.

Fyi, they is definitely some options for you, we had a landscaper a few weeks ago to build a raised bed, and he was suggesting fixing the boards to the fence posts.

[Edit to say: legally I don't know what your options are regarding their soil falling into your garden, see if you have legal cover with your house insurance as they might be able to help]

CatherinedeBourgh · 13/04/2024 19:18

just put a raised bed (i.e. something to retain the front and then fill with soil up to their gravel board) there, easy to do and sorts out the problem. Will look much nicer too.

Jellybean85 · 13/04/2024 19:21

CadFinnk · 13/04/2024 18:56

@Lindy2 thanks, there's about 15 feet of this floating gravel board, shrubs may be the answer then.

Oooh or a long row of lavender or rosemary would smell divine

Coffeeismysaviour · 13/04/2024 19:53

My dad was a fencer. I used to do it with him as a lad. You're right that they should have used 12 inch gravel boards, buried a couple of inches your side, to act as a neat retaining wall and holding the levels both sides. As they've used 6 inch, they've heaped the concrete up around the posts above ground level on your side to support the gravel boards at the desired height for the neighbour's side. Piss poor, but it's done now. You could perhaps build a 12 inch wide raised bed out of decking timber, I'd use two rails, and then backfill with soil and compost to raise the level on your side to the bottom of the gravel board. Plant up with shrubs and flowers afterwards. You might get some free decking timber off marketplace if money is a problem. As along as it's not rotting, you can stain it to make it look nice.

Coffeeismysaviour · 13/04/2024 19:59

By the way, I suggested reusing old decking timber because it's basically pressure treated 3 x 2, so will cope better with ground contact. Last longer before rotting.

Original poster
CadFinnk · 13/04/2024 20:21

@Coffeeismysaviour thanks that's really helpful. I agree it's a selfish and rubbish job. Will the fence sag as the gravel boards are floating? Will the concrete footings above ground likely erode as they aren't buried? It would be helpful if the neighbours had some problems with it, but they seem happy, it's me having to pay out in time and money to fix.

OP posts:
useruserna · 13/04/2024 20:40

keep an eye on Freecycle if someone is getting rid of slates. You can then "plant" them up against the gravel board - should stop the soil coming through without taking up space in your garden