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Property/DIY

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Original poster

Am I ok to build a fence? (Photo)

21 replies

MrsOE · 13/07/2019 17:18

Hi all,
Just after some advice. As you can see by the photo the walls in my garden are very low and so I am looking to build a fence for privacy (we’ve had the house about 5 months).
My concern is though that the next door neighbours conservatory will have its light compromised by the addition of a 6 foot fence however I feel that the conservatory should not be that close to the wall anyway (I may be wrong as I haven’t got a clue when it comes to property law).
The neighbour who did live there has sadly passed away so I’m looking to build before someone else moves in but don’t want to do so if I’ll be forced to remove in the future etc.

Thanks for any help

OP posts:

LIZS · 13/07/2019 17:22

You can build up to a boundary. Anything you put there must allow for maintenance on that side of ndn, so a removeable panel perhaps, and fall within the maximum allowed height from the ground level (not raised bed).

Shakirasma · 13/07/2019 17:23

The conservatory is fine where it is, they can be built right up to the boundary.

Theres no reason why a fence would affect their light, presumably they've got 2 more glass sides and a glass roof? They would probably appreciate the extra privacy.

LIZS · 13/07/2019 17:23

Maybe trellis would be a compromise.

purpleleotard · 13/07/2019 17:24

Check with the local planning dept. as there may be a relation on the hight of a fence.
Could be possible to put concrete posts behind the wall then put fence panels above.
Or just build the wall higher.

OctoberOrchid · 13/07/2019 17:24

You're well within your right to add a higer fence, just make sure it's inside your boundary.

VictoriaBun · 13/07/2019 17:25

Can't see why you can't especially as you are about to get new neighbours. You are not taking light away from them if you do it sooner rather than later because they never had it in the first place.
An alternative could be a slightly short fence in guarantee born with trellis on the top to bring up to the height of the new fence, then grow a plant up it to give yourself privacy but then a little more light. Perhaps fragrant roses
or maybe Jasmine ?

Original poster

MrsOE · 13/07/2019 17:26

With regards to allowing for maintenance that’s what made me question their conservatory/lean to as they have no room to clean the window that faces in to our garden which is assume they’d need to be able to do m.

OP posts:

MsMightyTitanAndHerTroubadours · 13/07/2019 17:26

I'd put up a trellis and grow something up it, it's less inflammatory than a great fence.

DinoEggz · 13/07/2019 17:27

No reason why you can’t build a fence. But if you don’t own the wall you can’t attach anything to it. Maximum permitted height is normally 2m.

wowfudge · 13/07/2019 17:28

You can go up to six feet without planning permission. I would fix a trellis panel on your side of the wall with long legs at either end which are screwed to the wall on your side. The trellis panel would then 'sit' on top of the wall but to your side iyswim.

averylongtimeago · 13/07/2019 17:30

You can have a fence up to 6ft without planning permission, as long as the foundations don't impinge on next door.
So yes, get your fence up ASAP.
Wooden fence panels are easy, you will need to dig in the proper posts though.
You can pretty it up with lots of climbing plants too.

averylongtimeago · 13/07/2019 17:32

Is the wall yours? I would fasten the uprights to the wall and put trellis or fence panels on top.

Original poster

MrsOE · 13/07/2019 17:34

I’m not sure if the wall is ours so was going to avoid using it to save any hassle. Will look in to trellis too but I’m not the most green fingered 🙈

OP posts:

Colummm · 14/07/2019 18:29

Hi
If it's not been up 20 year then you are ok. The neighbour can have "right to light" but I very much doubt it applies here. 6ft all the way.😉

MaybeitsMaybelline · 14/07/2019 20:44

They can’t clean their windows now without coming into your garden which is taking the piss. Put the fence up. Our neighbours have similar but it’s opaque glass. I have a fence in front of it.

HeadintheiClouds · 14/07/2019 20:47

I would. It’s just rude to build a structure with a window looking right into next door’s garden like that.

Original poster

MrsOE · 14/07/2019 21:18

Thank you all. I think the fence is the way to go, they have no way of maintaining that window anyway so it’s their own fault for not considering it.

OP posts:

VeThings · 14/07/2019 21:23

I also think they shouldn’t have built a structure with a window overlooking you like that. It wouldn’t be allowed in my area (for an extension anyway). if side windows are allowed at all they are usually high up on the wall and opaque.

Nesssie · 15/07/2019 12:29

@VeThings Agree, its unlikely that would be allowed in my area due to the intrusion on the OPs privacy. However, it could be countered by the neighbours saying a higher fence could be built.

theorchidwhisperer · 15/07/2019 12:35

I believe you can build a rear garden boundary fence to 2 meters in hight.

Their lack of maintenance space or light is not your concern.

You won't have to take the fence down. And should the new neighbours wish to carry out maintenance on this side (it won't happen ), they are responsible for asking your permission to remove the fence temporarily and then make good at their own expense.

You are entitled to privacy. Get a fence up fast before the property is occupied. It will cause less fuss this way.

Maykid · 15/07/2019 12:50

We had the exact same issue and built a 6 ft fence. Problem solved.

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