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Original poster

Can they really put scaffolding on my property?

157 replies

2Cats1Dog · 14/03/2019 16:35

One of the flats above us (leaseholders like us) have got permission from the freeholder to convert their loft and to do this they need to put scaffolding on our property, which would mean months and months of misery for us. Surely, they can't be allowed to do this??? I mean, it's not like it's necessary maintenance work, it's purely to improve their flat, it's not essential work! Has anyone else been in this situation? Help please!

OP posts:
billysboy · 14/03/2019 16:38

check with a partywall surveyor and or the freeholder

funnystory · 14/03/2019 16:39

Why would it cause you misery?

anniehm · 14/03/2019 16:39

The freeholder can give permission I suppose

MyDcAreMarvel · 14/03/2019 16:42

It’s a bit mean of you to object plus it won’t take months!

QforCucumber · 14/03/2019 16:43

Months and Months? For a loft conversion?

atlastifoundit · 14/03/2019 16:48

Will the scaffolding be outside your windows with builders traipsing up and down all day looking in at you, or maybe in your garden? That would cheese me off rather a lot I think. Besides, builders aren't know for being quiet, and if it is a flat, then most of the materials will have to be hauled up the outside, won't they?

How did you find out OP - did the freeholder write and inform you or was it the neighbour?

If you pay service charges, I'd be looking at a reduction in what you pay this year to recompense you for the inconvenience.

SileneOliveira · 14/03/2019 16:49

"months and months of misery". Oh the drama.

Should take about 6 weeks.

Original poster
2Cats1Dog · 14/03/2019 16:49

would you want scaffolding all around your flat and builders working there fore 8 or 9 months??

OP posts:
PepsiLola · 14/03/2019 16:50

8/9 months? Not a chance op! More like 2

Original poster
2Cats1Dog · 14/03/2019 16:50

Well, would you want scaffolding all around your flat and builders there for 8 or 9 months?? And how do you think my animals would take to it as well? They'll be very distressed, as will we!

OP posts:
NoSquirrels · 14/03/2019 16:50

Did your upstairs neighbours not talk to you about this?

PaquitaVariation · 14/03/2019 16:52

Of course they’re allowed to do it, you don’t own the building or land if you’re leaseholders so the freeholder can allow what they want to happen to the outside of the building.

Fattymcfaterson · 14/03/2019 16:52

8 or 9 months???

Is this a loft extension to rival the shard?!

SileneOliveira · 14/03/2019 16:52

8 or 9 months. I think you mean WEEKS not months. It's not something you would necessarily be delighted about, but it's hardly "misery" and "distressing".

Original poster
2Cats1Dog · 14/03/2019 16:53

Mean?? Are you kidding? Would you happily put up with 8 or 9 months of intense building work and scaffolding all over your garden when it had no benifit to you whatsoever? Why would you even say that is "mean" without knowing anything about it??

OP posts:
BiscuitDrama · 14/03/2019 16:53

The builders will mostly be in the bit they’re working on, not outside your flat.

Moanymoaner123 · 14/03/2019 16:53

Very rude of your neighbours not to inform you before they sought permission from the freeholder. PPs idea of asking for a reduction in service charges from the freeholder due to the inconvenience is a good one, but I think that is all you will achieve.

SileneOliveira · 14/03/2019 16:54

Seriously, why do you think it takes 9 months to do a loft extension?

Original poster
2Cats1Dog · 14/03/2019 16:54

Yes, months and months - at least 8 if not 9 months - it's a big job they are doing

OP posts:
SileneOliveira · 14/03/2019 16:55

Loft extensions do not take 8 months. Building a new house from scratch does not take 8 months.

sunshinesupermum · 14/03/2019 16:55

8 or 9 months? No way would a loft extension take this long. You're not being asked to pay any money only for the scaffolding to go outside the building. Why would your animals (how many do you have?) be 'very distressed'? YABU.

SheRaTheAllPowerful · 14/03/2019 16:55

God you sound like a terrible neighbour, it’s not forever is it? I assume they’ve been given planning permission from the council.
3 months absolute max and they will have hours they can work usually 8-5 in the week and until 1pm on Saturdays.

Original poster
2Cats1Dog · 14/03/2019 16:56

Thanks for being s disparaging without even knowing anything about it! We have been told 8 or 9 months of a building site. I'd like to see you living through that and not being upset or distressed. why do you even bother replying if all you want to do is say things like that?

OP posts:
sunshinesupermum · 14/03/2019 16:57

Who has told you 8 or 9 months OP? A whole house could be built in less than that.

FaithFrank · 14/03/2019 16:58

Surely, they can't be allowed to do this??

You need to look at your lease to see what is and isn't allowed.

I would be asking for detailed information about what scaffolding is going up, how long they expect it to be there, how long they expect the works to take altogether and what steps they are taking to mitigate the inconvenience and intrusion for you.