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New neighbours asked if they could take my fence down

467 replies

ellogov · 20/02/2026 18:22

Around two years ago, I put up a fence to divide my driveway from my neighbours. I made sure it was entirely on my side, not intruding on their area at all. The reason behind this was that they kept using my side to move their cars around, and they, along with their guests, would walk up and down my side to get around their vehicles all the time. They weren’t thrilled about it, but I was already doing some renovations, so I used that as my excuse. I never actually told them the real reason, though I have a feeling they figured it out. The driveways are pretty narrow, but that’s just how they were constructed. I had mine widened last year, so it’s much better now.

They moved out in September. New neighbours moved in just before Christmas, and they seem nice. I’ve chatted with them a few times, asking how they’re settling in. This morning, they asked how I’d feel about taking the fence down. They mentioned it’s because they don’t have much space and offered to pay for its removal. I’m a bit torn on what to do. While they seem friendly, I’m concerned they might end up being like the previous neighbours. If they’re really in need of more space, they could always pay to widen their side, and even though they’ve offered to cover the removal costs, it doesn’t compensate for the money I spent putting it up last year, and I’d have to pay again to put up another one if they start taking advantage of the situation.

What do you think? Should I say no sorry and keep them separate?

OP posts:
Fluffypuppy1 · 20/02/2026 19:08

BangFlash · 20/02/2026 19:01

It seems an easy one.

Sympathise about the lack of room, say yours was the same til you widened it and do they want to details of the guys who did it? And no, you like the fence but thanks for offering.

This.

You don’t have to get into reasons or excuses for having your fence. Definitely do not feel pressured into getting it removed.

myheadsjustmush · 20/02/2026 19:08

Do not remove your fence under any circumstances!

If you did, before long, you will be back at square one, with your drive being used as 'extra space' by your NDN.

Also, if you did remove it and wanted to reinstate the fence in the future, that would be even more awkward than the current situation you are in.

The fence was there when they moved in next door to you.

It is on your land.
It stays where it is.

Advocodo · 20/02/2026 19:11

Keep your fence! You put it up for a reason.

SirChenjins · 20/02/2026 19:12

No way. As pp's said, the only reason for them wanting the fence down is to allow them to walk onto your land.

Bristolandlazy · 20/02/2026 19:12

Absolutely not, why should you. It's on your land. I would make sure to point out that it's on your land. I wonder if they think it's a shared fence. They can widen their drive as you said. I get it that it's awkward to say no but to say yes seems crazy to me.

Gerwurtztraminer · 20/02/2026 19:12

Don't say yes and create a repeat of a problem you spent money to fix, just because you don't want a single slightly awkward conversation to say no. That's mad.

BlimeyOReillyO · 20/02/2026 19:13

tealandteal · 20/02/2026 18:24

They won’t have any more space if the fence comes down, unless they start using your space. I would say no. Good fences make good neighbours.

Sorted

saraclara · 20/02/2026 19:14

If your fence means that the people in one side of the car can't get out, and all they want to do is be able to open the door and step on to your drive, I can see why they asked and I'd be understanding.

I can't work out why anytime would use your drive for parking of the fence was down though. I can't visualise that at all.

Harrietsaunt · 20/02/2026 19:15

Good fences make good neighbours. Leave it there.

ParmaVioletTea · 20/02/2026 19:17

Nope. Eventually, you'll have the same problem as with your previous neighbours.

"Good fences make good neighbours."

ParmaVioletTea · 20/02/2026 19:17

Snap @Harrietsaunt We were typing at the same time!

SargeMarge · 20/02/2026 19:18

They saw it before they moved in so what’s their problem? It’s really cheeky!

The only way it gives them more space is by using your side, so they’re clearly planning to be able to step out of the car onto your drive rather than squeeze round in their own space. Don’t do it.

HappilyFreeNow · 20/02/2026 19:18

tealandteal · 20/02/2026 18:24

They won’t have any more space if the fence comes down, unless they start using your space. I would say no. Good fences make good neighbours.

This

godmum56 · 20/02/2026 19:19

BlueMoonBlueCheese · 20/02/2026 19:04

I'm guessing that without the fence they could park much closer to the edge and still open the door of their car.

presumably they might be clouting the OP's car if they did this?

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 20/02/2026 19:22

BangFlash · 20/02/2026 19:01

It seems an easy one.

Sympathise about the lack of room, say yours was the same til you widened it and do they want to details of the guys who did it? And no, you like the fence but thanks for offering.

Perfect response.

FateAmenableToChange · 20/02/2026 19:23

They're even cheekier than the previous neighbours! Just ignore the request, and if they come back with it again, say no sorry that doesnt work for me.

NamingNoNames · 20/02/2026 19:24

Just say 'No.'
The fence is all on your property so removing it will not give them any more room.
They are CFs.

Anjo2011 · 20/02/2026 19:32

They want to do what the previous owners did and that’s the reason you put the fence up. Of course they are being nice, they want to alter your property for their gain. Don’t even consider it, say no.

Fundays12 · 20/02/2026 19:35

No they maybe pleasant but you are probably going to end up with the same issue. Maybe say no sorry but we had the same issue and had to widen our driveway.

Luvmusic · 20/02/2026 19:38

BangFlash · 20/02/2026 19:01

It seems an easy one.

Sympathise about the lack of room, say yours was the same til you widened it and do they want to details of the guys who did it? And no, you like the fence but thanks for offering.

Perfect response

InMyOodie · 20/02/2026 19:39

You'd end up having to pay for a new fence again in no time. They want to use your side.

Shatteredallthetimelately · 20/02/2026 19:40

They don't have much space

Is a lot quicker and easier than saying
"because we need more space and don't want to go to the expense or mess of digging our garden up on the otherside, so we'll be using your driveway as an extension to ours instead"

Thank you muchly..

Nofeckingway · 20/02/2026 19:40

OP This is 💯 % No to your question. Can't understand why you even had to think of an answer . Absolutely not . Just Say No.
They are CF for asking too so you owe them nothing .

Passitalong · 20/02/2026 19:41

Definite no!!

illbetheresunorrain · 20/02/2026 19:42

stick to your already charged guns and don't say a word, just nod and smile