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A neighbour wants to run more cables through our property.

8 replies

JDoc7z · 14/03/2024 23:05

Hi everyone, newbie here! Hoping for some advice, though it is a bit long...

A newish neighbour has purchased a barn/workshop on the land well behind us and our neighbours' properties and they want to run two cables through our property in order to power it. The cables would go to the meter cupboard in our front garden which does look to have a spare meter they can use. Our house is the original on a plot which was divided up to include 3 barn conversions, stables, and barns/workshops.

There were four cables (within our lean-to against our house) when we moved in but one was cut by the powergrid October time. This cable powered all the barns and also static and mobile caravans behind us it seems (we've no idea how many groups of people are living there now).

A friend told us that allowing an additional person to install extra cables may cause future issues with our property, and told us to check with our mortgage company in case of problems with easement (I'll be honest, I don't understand a huge amount despite googling!). The house paperwork does mention repair/replacement of cables but does not mention adding any additional ones. I have contacted the mortgage company but not heard back yet.

Originally the four cables were enough for the three neighbouring houses and one for the barns, but the site behind us is being divided more and more. I'm worried that there could be more people who will need cables that we may end up being responsible for. Plus if we say yes to this neighbour we may not be able to say no to any others. It may also make it difficult to maintain/replace the roof on our lean-to which we were planning to do when we can afford it!

Has anyone any experience with this kind of situation? I'm usually a complete doormat but something just didn't feel right about this. It could have just been how tired I was though! Anyway, I appreciate any helpful thoughts.

OP posts:
membershipplease · 14/03/2024 23:08

Not a chance I’d agree to this!!

Rainbowshit · 14/03/2024 23:08

Ask them to pay for you to get legal advice. There could be so many issues arising from this you'd be foolish not to get proper legal advice.

Beamur · 14/03/2024 23:08

Get legal advice. Have a proper agreement/easement drawn up. The person wanting the supply should pay all costs.

Wbeezer · 14/03/2024 23:12

If you've got good home insurance there is often a legal advice service provided by your insurance company.

SignoraVolpe · 14/03/2024 23:13

Unless there’s already an easement in place then I think the answer is no.
Can you check your deeds or speak to your utility company to clarify if the neighbour has any rights?
I would be very resistant to any new cables on my property.

pinkgown · 15/03/2024 00:30

Can't they run the cables beneath the access road to their property?

WallaceinAnderland · 15/03/2024 00:31

No way!

Diyextension · 15/03/2024 09:37

If they were paying all the installation costs and offering an incentive ( money ) then maybe. It’s just a cable once installed job done. Loads of properties have cables , drains , pipes. Running through them. Just make sure it’s worth your while 👍

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