Brick BBQ In Front Of Garden and Taller Than Fence

[SK72]

Hello all,
I am looking for some advice. Right in front of our garden, a brick BBQ is being built which is much taller than the fence. It doesn't look nice at all and it can be seen prominently when see through our patio door. Please see attached some photos.

Can I ask if this is allowed? Has anybody came across any similar situation?
Thank you in advance for your help.

To be honest, it doesn't look that different from the brick wall that it's in front of. Why don't you plant a tree in front of it? Amalanchier or crab apple have lovely blossom at this time of year.

There are limits on the height of permanent outdoor structures, I don't know if that would qualify, though.
No harm to contact your local council to make sure though. It's a selfish place to position a bbq.

I really don't think it's unsightly. In the grand scheme of neighbours issues it seems very small. You were looking at brick....you are still looking at brick. Maybe this is one to let go....

@Mumdiva99

I really don't think it's unsightly. In the grand scheme of neighbours issues it seems very small. You were looking at brick....you are still looking at brick. Maybe this is one to let go....

The BBQ wall is only a few inches away from our fence and right in front of our garden. They could have built the BBQ in front of their garden. It's bit selfish position to build bbq. Our main concern is that when we come to sell our property, a potential buyer might get put off because of it.

Id have to just plant a tall shrub or small tree, th bricks of the house stand out just as much, plus a neighbour dipute will affect selling far more.

To add, I'd be more concerned about fire risk and damage to any future plantings, it looks far too close to your fence!

@Stickytreacle

To add, I'd be more concerned about fire risk and damage to any future plantings, it looks far too close to your fence!

This would be my concern too. It's a fire risk.

I think the planning laws don't allow structures over 2.5m within 2m of the boundary so it is probably in breach of planning too.

Thank you. I didn't think about it being a possible fire hazard

It looks tall and ugly, I agree. Does it spit out a lot of smoke? If it does then you might have a case to say it is stopping quiet enjoyment of your property eg you can keep your windows open.

If it is up against the fence, it cannot be over 2.5m - it has to be 2m away from the fence.

Speak to the neighbour, ask how tall it is, ask if they got permission for it etc. It is a shame they didnt tell you before they built it so they could modify their plans and be more neigghbourly.

It looks like one of those pizza ovens. They probably built it there because it is breaching regulations and no one can see it.
Can you make an email enquiry to your local council inspector?

If you're worried about reactions from potential buyers I'd invest in some trees along that back fence. The side of that house is a seriously imposing view, that would put me off way more than the top of a chimney from a pizza oven.

Carefully positioned so that the smoke goes straight over your fence....

People are so inconsiderate.

Work out how high it actually is and check it out with the council before speaking to them.

Thank you all for your views and feedbacks. We will have to check with our local council to check if they had the planning permission or necessary approvals which i think is highly likely.
We don't want to be difficult and would like to maintain good relationships but they have selfishly positioned the BBQ right in front of our garden and far too close to our fence without having a word or being considerate.

Pleached trees? Tbh would look nicer than staring at their house either way.

@Peachesarepeach

Pleached trees? Tbh would look nicer than staring at their house either way.

It's far too close to our fence so planting a tree can be a fire hazard

I don't know if this makes a difference to your argument with them but it looks like their fence doesn't it? You've got the 'good' side and they've bad side and posts?

You could ask your local fire brigade for advice as well.

www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/

The fire risk isn't just from sparks, it's heat too. Disposable barbecues regularly start fires on grass or in bins etc from retained heat several hours after they have gone out.

I too would be concerned. Too close to your fence and all the smoke and cooking smells will be coming over to you if the wind is in the right direction.

We don't want to be difficult and would like to maintain good relationships
Don't let it go, they clearly couldn't give a toss about maintaining a good relationship with you.

Be difficult- before they burn your fence down. They don’t give a shit about you!

@HollyBollyBooBoo Apparently that’s an urban legend and you can’t tell whose fence it is based on which way round it is; as there’s no requirement for people to put in a fence either way.

According to our solicitor when we moved here; at least!

[quote TakeYourFinalPosition]@HollyBollyBooBoo Apparently that’s an urban legend and you can’t tell whose fence it is based on which way round it is; as there’s no requirement for people to put in a fence either way.

According to our solicitor when we moved here; at least![/quote]
It's our fence

Pizza ovens are supposed to be insulated so not get too hot on the outside, but I think this will be a home made jobby and possibly not up to spec. I don't think you need planning for a pizza oven, but I'd contact the council for advice, it's going to be an obvious nuisance at best and hazard at worst. My BIL has one and it can be going for hours cooking roasts/bread etc.

Interesting - I never knew that, timely as I need to replace my fence!

That shouldn’t be a fire hazard at all it’s brick built. It’s just a bbq. My friend has one, it’s basically like a brick chimnea.

I think it’s permissible op and I don’t see it as an eye sore either. It just blends with the brick wall