leasehold flats - gardens- fence

[toulon01]

Hi.
We have a maisonette with a garden. Next door has one. I want to returf, plant some low level shrubs and generally speaking enjoy it with some privacy.
Because the neighbours have a dog and get too close at times. I want to put in a picket fence (500mm high) to protect my garden. Last summer, I had some rows with the neighbour sunbathing in my garden.

My lease says I have to keep the garden as ornamental and preserve natural light. My little fence wont affect this... does anyone think the freeholder would sue me or get involved?

I think you should consult with the freeholder first, before doing anything.

Google Leasehold advisory service better place for advice

Is that all the lease states regarding the garden? Is next door part of the same building with the same freeholder? What do the plans of your property show re: the garden area? If they don't delineate which part is for your exclusive use and it's just convention which means people usually stick to their bit then it's not likely to be possible without varying the lease(s).

If it's definitely for your exclusive use and there's nothing that states you can't put a fence up I would just do it. Make it a fence you can't easily climb over that the dog can't jump over either. I would think that keeping it ornamental means as a garden rather than putting hard standing in for parking or storage.