Page 17 | Are my neighbours being unreasonable?

PawsAndReflection · 2024-07-25T00:24:35+00:00

Hello! We've recently bought a new house and our neighbours at the end of our garden are looking to redo the outside of their house. They came by today to ask for permission as the work would require scaffolding in our garden, and were surprised to find seating and an olive tree in the area. They've asked if we can move the olive tree and seating in order for them to have the work done, but I'm a little concerned about moving such a big tree. Does anyone have experience with this? They were making out that it really wasn't a big deal but I've been researching it and it seems not quite as simple as they're making out.

ChampagneLassie · 29/07/2024 20:31

They sound looney. How are you making any money out of this? It would be a flat no from me, and I’d warn them that if they encroach on your property or cause any damage you will be seeking retribution reimbursement

Ourdearoldqueen · 29/07/2024 20:49

Crikey that’s bonkers!

OhIdoliketobebesidetheseaside32 · 29/07/2024 20:55

OMG! Seen your updates and my response would be that it seems like too much trouble than it's worth and your answer is no, they can't put scaffolding up in your garden.

Molone · 29/07/2024 21:07

PawsAndReflection · 28/07/2024 00:15

I've had 15 missed calls from them today already, with more than a few voicemails of them accusing us of over complicating things for them and saying we're trying to make "a fast buck"

Just say no if they are being dickish about it.

Gremlins101 · 29/07/2024 21:42

I'd absolutely have no problem moving seating and a potted tree.

I wouldn't be digging up a tree! That's crazy!

Butterworths · 29/07/2024 21:50

Sorry to derail slightly but lots of people are saying that tree is too close to the wall. Round my way it is very very common to have a tree of that sort of size or larger in the small front gardens - very close to the front wall of the houses. These have no drives, Victorian semis maybe 6-8 foot from the pavement. Are they really likely to cause subsidence?

BeGratefulOfGlimmers · 29/07/2024 21:56

How big is this tree if they couldn’t see it/ were unaware it was there? I’m confused 🫤

dollopz · 29/07/2024 21:58

Their weird email puts a totally new spin on things, it would be a firm no from me.

Had they offered to cover any costs, given a vague timeline which could be movable if required and been nicer, I’d have said yes

dollopz · 29/07/2024 22:00

The tree isn’t that big looking at the photo

Lg2021 · 29/07/2024 22:07

Just say ‘No and I will refer you to my solicitor & the police if the harassment continues’

Suusue · 29/07/2024 22:22

No I would not move my tree under any circs. They have a nerve.

WiddlinDiddlin · 30/07/2024 04:53

Butterworths · 29/07/2024 21:50

Sorry to derail slightly but lots of people are saying that tree is too close to the wall. Round my way it is very very common to have a tree of that sort of size or larger in the small front gardens - very close to the front wall of the houses. These have no drives, Victorian semis maybe 6-8 foot from the pavement. Are they really likely to cause subsidence?

Depends on so many factors, the type of tree, the type of soil, the type of foundation, age of property, age of tree...

Sometimes its NOT wise to move an established tree, the change in the water levels in the soil can destabilise foundations!

I would move this tree not because its likely to cause the neighbours house to fall down, but because all the time it IS that close to their property, they could cause a fuss, claim damage is as a result of the tree and generally, be a pain in the arse about it. It's a potential catalyst for trouble, and these people have already shown themselves to be batshit.

Move the tree... then they're standing on no legs.

blossomismyfriend · 30/07/2024 11:15

That tree isn't big enough to be causing any problems. It's trunk is small. It may need to be cut down at some point - it won't be possible to move it - but for the time being it's fine. I wouldn't be cutting it down after receiving messages like that. They'll have to figure it out. It's not unknown to plant more modest trees next to walls, the OP hasn't done anything wrong. It's not some hulking great sycamore or field maple.

Shinyandnew1 · 30/07/2024 11:33

PawsAndReflection · 28/07/2024 00:15

I've had 15 missed calls from them today already, with more than a few voicemails of them accusing us of over complicating things for them and saying we're trying to make "a fast buck"

Have you replied?
How about…

Dear CF, I’m not sure how you think I’m hoping to make money out of this! It won’t be happening, full stop- so please stop contacting me. 15 missed calls is bordering on obsession.

MaybeNextTime8 · 30/07/2024 12:43

Butterworths · 29/07/2024 21:50

Sorry to derail slightly but lots of people are saying that tree is too close to the wall. Round my way it is very very common to have a tree of that sort of size or larger in the small front gardens - very close to the front wall of the houses. These have no drives, Victorian semis maybe 6-8 foot from the pavement. Are they really likely to cause subsidence?

To an extent it depends on the tree and the soil, but a family member had to have her foundations underpinned because an apple tree's roots had disrupted them, and that tree was further away than this, so it's definitely a risk. It's one of the reasons insurers ask about trees near the property

BengalGal · 30/07/2024 19:13

Moving a tree on your own yard just so they can put scaffolding is ridiculous. Charge them and move nothing.

Workaholic99 · 30/07/2024 19:24

Is your tree in a pot? Or in the ground? I have an olive tree in a pot. Whilst heavy it is possible to move. If it's in the ground then they should find an alternative solution. But if they find a solution that still requires access to the garden I would grant it, it seems unreasonable to deny access for such a short period of time and risk souring neighbourly relations

LL1991 · 30/07/2024 22:59

Oh god, just read your updates. Just end it here, say no and point to how awkward it is already without an agreement even being reached. You are absolutely not paying for anything given that you will not benefit from the outcome (changes to their property) and that you could actually lose a lovely looking tree and seating area - and pay for the privilege.
Put it in writing that that is your final answer. If you continue to get 15 phone calls and x amount of voicemails a day then consider warning them that you could speak to the police about harrasment and to please respect your previous email/answer.

FloofPaws · 31/07/2024 15:13

Bloody hell just caught up with this, your neighbour's responses are incredulous! I'd be telling them them that's a firm no

Lampshadeblue · 31/07/2024 20:16

TWETMIRF · 29/07/2024 08:16

I wouldn't say the reason for not paying any costs is because the work is cosmetic. It sounds like you would if it was maintenance and then the CFs would suddenly find something structural that needed doing and come round expecting you to pay. Don't give them any potential loopholes as we know they will exploit them.

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This is exactly what I thought. If you say the reason you’re not allowing it is because it’s not maintenance, they’ll just find a read on why it is. Just inform them you don’t give them or their builders to enter/use your property and put up a camera. You can get battery operated ones where the battery lasts for several months I think.

Crazydonkeylady · 01/08/2024 21:43

Fizzadora · 25/07/2024 19:17

Hmmm your picture changes everything. You have a structure up against their rendered wall which could potentially be breaching their damp course. You also have a evergreen tree up against their wall which again could be causing damp issues. You have a tree presumably planted in the ground right next to their wall (and if it wasn't planted in the ground, it will be now at that size) and who knows what damage that might have done to their foundations.
If I was them I would be bloody furious.

If I’ve understood correctly it’s not the neighbour’s wall. I believe they are in the flat above so the higher part of the wall will be theirs.

MummyLongLegsss · 02/08/2024 20:51

Why no updates from @PawsAndReflection ?

5 days since she posted.

I'd like to know if the olive tree was there when you moved in or if you brought it with you.

You've said you moved recently which suggests it's a fixture that you inherited.

MummyLongLegsss · 02/08/2024 20:52

Crazydonkeylady · 01/08/2024 21:43

If I’ve understood correctly it’s not the neighbour’s wall. I believe they are in the flat above so the higher part of the wall will be theirs.

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You can't not own the foundations of the ground floor unless someone else has the ground floor flat.

This doesn't make sense.

Why would the neighbours want the wall painted if they don't own it?

Crazydonkeylady · 03/08/2024 00:15

MummyLongLegsss · 02/08/2024 20:52

You can't not own the foundations of the ground floor unless someone else has the ground floor flat.

This doesn't make sense.

Why would the neighbours want the wall painted if they don't own it?

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My understanding is OP has the ground floor flat and the neighbours want to do maintenance above them and need to put scaffolding up to do so.

WiddlinDiddlin · 03/08/2024 03:31

How do you get to 'OP has the ground floor flat'... from this:

"We've recently bought a new house and our neighbours at the end of our garden are..."

OP clearly states they have bought a house. Not ground floor flat. We don't know who owns the ground floor flat, they aren't mentioned.