We live in a lovely detached property which we are doing up but have lost privacy to 1/3 of our garden/garage since our new neighbours moved next door. They have open planned the back half of their house and changed a frosted little used back door into a clear glass main window in front of the sink in the kitchen/diner. The window is two foot away from our side access to garage and gives a clear view into our garage and garden including the sunny evening spot we sit and eat in as a family. Every time I go outside I can see right into their home and they can see me, no more putting the rubbish/recycling out in my knickers!
I did speak to the builder raising concerning and he said they would be putting a fence up. When they moved in dh put a temporary block up, the guy came round and complained about it being unsightly as it the only window in their kitchen. That's because they blocked up the main kitchen window! He initially said they would put a fence up but has now backtracked. The wife has complained about us 'spoiling her view' and says we should have discussed it with her before doing anything. We have now received a note asking us to remove the panel blocking said view (of my garden!) as it is attached to their fence panel. Dh and I went round for a chat and said we were unhappy with the lack of privacy that they were quite possibly in breach of planning and would they please put a fence up. The answer was an empathic no. Apparently they have designed the kitchen intending to look out at our garden and we are being unreasonable and unfair, they have also raised their kitchen floor so even a six foot fence wouldn't block the view and the most they will consider is a low fence and trellis. I am a bit stuck what to do I really don't want to fall out with them but it's all starting to feel a bit inevitable. Dh has refused to take the panel down and in fact intends to put it against the full length of the fence they can now see over and next doors dh is clearly furious and won't even speak to us.