Neighbour wanting to erect scaffolding on our property

[emmy12]

Hello - just looking for some advice. Our neighbour wants to build an extension and wants to erect scaffolding on our property to build it. She has come round today to basically say she is doing it, going on holiday whilst it's going up, can't say exactly how long it will be up - probably three months and can't say how big it will be.

It will cause us quite a lot of inconvenience as it's outside our front door and will restrict access for large items - we are planning to have a sofa and new bathroom delivered in the next few months.

Is there a standard legal letter I could ask her to write - I would like some reassurance that she will clear up, pay for any damage and also to know what the dates are so that I can ensure my deliveries can get through.

I also work from home and am worried about noise as I need to make a lot of telephone calls.

Any help much appreciated.

She can't do anything without your say so.

I suggest that you ask her to meet the cost of you taking legal advice and having something proper drawn up. You may also need a party wall agreement. this should all be at her cost. You should not be out of pocket. If she wants you to pay a penny, refuse permission.

There was a huge thread very similar to this a while back, it had loads of useful information on it - I'll see if I can find it

here

Thank you both for replying. Had a look at Party Wall document mentioned in the other thread - but it doesn't seem to apply for extensions. Might try our house insurers and see what they have to say. It's not that I'd refuse - I really don't like or trust the neighbour so just want some reassurance in writing really - but not sure where to start with it.

If the extension is being built on the boundary you'll need a party wall agreement. Otherwise you won't.
Anyway, you'll need a proper agreement in place to protect your interests over the scaffolding. Suggest that your neighbour's solicitor draws up an agreement, then your neighbour agrees in writing to pay for you to take independent legal advice on it. The crucial thing is that you should not be out of pocket, and you should be looked after.
If she doesn't agree to that you will have the measure of her, and should tell her in no uncertain terms that you won't allow her to trespass on your land.

Just wanted to say thank you Collaborate - great advice. I now have something in writing I'm happy with - didn't know if I was being OTT but I feel much more reassured having dates/times etc in writing and assurances for damages.