Our conifer trees - how to manage them so they don't cause neighbours a problem

[deathbollywood]

We planted conifers along our side boundary as we are overlooked by a house built along the side but not next to ours- at the back. This means the trees run along side the house. We trim them regularly and maintain them at about 7 metres for privacy. I am still worried the roots might cause a problem to the neighbouring house as the trees get bigger, even if we maintain at current height. Any thoughts on how we can reduce/manage the risk? haven't been able to work out what type of soil we have.

My neighbours recently got rid of a very large conifer that was right in the middle of their garden. It didn't affect our light but cast a shadow over their whole house and bent in a worrying way during storms. Not sure how much it cost to remove but they replaced it with a 4m silver birch that cost about £200.

We live in the north of the UK & planted 2 Monterey "Goldcrest" conifers close to our house - about 20cm away from the walls.

When we bought them, they were being touted as "ornamental", their size at the time suitable for a window box Christmas display.

They've grown to around 6ft tall in the 6 years we've had them, having replanted into the garden space at the front of the house.

Now we've been told they will probably damage the foundations & we should seriously consider removing them.

I'd like to replace with another evergreen conifer dwarf species.

Recommendations are very welcome.

The soil is clay & the small front garden faces north, though the lack of full sun didn't bother the "Goldcrests" at all.

Thank you!