Insulation in the alleyway

[Pinksoda08]

Hi,
Needed some advice please. I have a side access to my garden. Its a very narrow access, big enough to probably push a wheelbarrow through it. According to land registry it's part of my property. However, my neighbour has been harassing me for months. They want external insulation on their property and they want me to give them access to my alleyway so that they can install the insulation. This wouldn't have been an issue BUT if they do put on the insulation on their side wall which is next to my side access, this will encroach onto my property and into my alleyway. I have said no several times, they won't stop harassing me and keep sending people to my property. What can I do?! The husband even had the audacity to say it's shared access which it isn't. If they needed the access for other work e.g to fix a gutter etc, it wouldn't be an issue.

Tell them to check their deeds so they can confirm it is your private land, or show them yours maybe? Then just repeatedly tell them you aren’t discussing it any further and if they want to insulate their wall they need to do it from inside their property.

They're clearly trying to wear you down so that eventually you give them permission.

I would send your neighbours a letter stating that they do not have and you will not grant permission to install insulation if it extends over the property line. Put a copy of your deeds in with the letter. I would also state that you consider the constant requests to amount to harassment and that they should stop immediately (I've no idea if this is legally correct or not).

Then stop engaging with them as far as possible. If they try and ask you again just say no, walk away, close the door (in their faces if necessary) etc. It seems like you've been polite to them so far, so its time to be very blunt.

I would also as far as possible try and secure your side access. If you've got a gate put a padlock on it, if you haven't think about installing one. You shouldn't have to but I would be slightly nervous that your neighbour will go ahead with the work anyway even if they don't have permission.

Very much agree with the PP. Put it in writing and then stop engaging. Then secure the access to your garden

Thank you. They have been harassing me for a year. I was pregnant when the harassment had started - I had a high risk pregnancy which they were aware of but they kept approaching me despite telling them not to. Due to their constant harassment I ended up in A&E - Maternity Unit due to stress. They even attempted to break my gate last year. I think a letter might be a good idea.

I actually reported them to the police when they threatened to break my gate which would've exposed access to my garden. They're aware of the property line - they owned this property in the 70/80s i think. I didn't know this until they told me when I bought the property. I have always been very civil - I approached them (with gifts) when I first moved in. Always greeted them but for some reason they think I dislike them - during my pregnancy I suffered from antenatal depression which is why I kept myself to myself.

They have put me through hell and back.

I have just read your update and omg. I am so sorry you have been through all this.

In this case I would recommend stronger action. If you can afford it I would get a solicitor to write a “cease and desist from harassing my client” letter. If you cannot afford it, the CAB used to be able to recommend solicitors who would write a one off letter for you at a knock down price.

What nasty bullies.

Just seen your update. They sound awful, sorry you've had to go through this.
As well as the suggestion of the PP I would look to see if you could install security cameras covering your side access and the gate.