Raised bed, shared fence

[Picklelily99]

Bloody fuming! Just found out new neighbours are building a raised bed, and using OUR SHARED FENCE as the back support! There is no plastic liner etc so the soil is in direct contact with the fence. This will cause the fence to rot and put strain on it due to the weight of the soil, which in turn will cause the fence to lean under the pressure. *we bought and had installed a brand new slatted fence, after years of 'make do and mend' the existing fence panels. We asked the old neighbour if they would contribute to it as it was in our shared interest - they kindly agreed to go 'halves'. Sadly that neighbour died about 4yrs ago. We now have the neighbours from hell - fancies herself as a property developer, just like dad, no consideration AT ALL for the neighbours they have to share space with, cos they just visited while the work was ongoing. I can't even write about all the shit they've done 'cos it just churns me up again. I'm feeling really, really anxious now about how we deal with this new one! Please can someone tell me who I contact, what the steps are, etc to effectively stop them from ruining our fence?

The title to the property and land was bought and now belongs to the people, if the old owner co-owned the fence so does the new one. Unless you tricked the old owner into paying for your own property only.

How raised is it? It can only be by 30cm without planning permission.

Start by asking them to remove it because it will damage your jointly owned property. If they say no, then write to them, stating facts only, and again request they remove it. They probably won't.

You could get a solicitor to write a letter at this point. Which may make a difference.

When the fence fails you ask them for money to replace the damaged fence caused by they're negligence. If they say no, you take them to the small claims court for the cost of the damage and to put it back correctly.

I would remove the fence panels affected and tell her she needs to keep her garden bed on her own property. Make yourself as irritating to her as possible. It’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

Replace the fencing when you’re are happy.

Check your councils building regulations to see if things is covered.

I put a raised bed against my own fence. I used liner stapled to the sleepers and the back fence (I think- it was a while ago) to contain the soil in a sling held away from the fence so it didn’t rot. It looks as if it’s against the fence but isn’t. I assume the liner has now rotted away, but the roots are keeping the soil away from the fence.

I must go and look as it’s been a while…

Remember your side is dry, so the fence can dry out. Think of a wooden planter. They don’t rot.

I assume the liner has now rotted away, but the roots are keeping the soil away from the fence.

Roots live in soil - they won't be there if there's no soil. Roots will damage a fence as much as soil/water and rotting will.

Think of a wooden planter. They don’t rot.

Yes they do. They last a few years and then start to rot. The tip is full of them.

"Think of a wooden planter. They don’t rot".

🤔................🤣

Unfortunately they do and faster than most people realise. After a few years they often look sound on the outside but are completely hollow and just dissolve slowly spilling the contents.
Stapling a waterproof membrane (black PVC moisture barrier, available from any good DIY shop) to the inside is the most effective solution and preserves the wood for much longer.

OP.
I would lift/remove your panels "for maintenance" and push her soil back onto her side.

Speak to them and if they don't comply, state that you are going to remove the panels and gravel boards to paint/stain them to try and preserve them.

This blog talks about the problem here. Worth a read - Raised bed against your fence