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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:
LadyLindaT · 20/02/2026 19:43

Just no.

SparklyBrickViper · 20/02/2026 19:44

Hard no.

Slightyamusedandsilly · 20/02/2026 19:44

Have you asked them how moving your fence on your land would give them more space? You could act genuinely puzzled.

Something like, 'I'd prefer to keep the fence. Can you explain how taking it down would give you more space though?

Cherrysoup · 20/02/2026 19:45

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 20/02/2026 18:33

"Hi Dave and Kim,
I like my fence and it's on my land so the best solution for you guys is probably to widen your drive like I have.
Let me know of you want the tradesman details.
Byeeeee"

Edited

Bang on. No false hope, just a solution that they can take rather than removing your fence so they can use the drive like the former neighbours. Outrageous!

k1233 · 20/02/2026 19:45

I'd just say the fence is inside the boundary on your side and you want it to stay. Note you widened your drive and ask if they want the detsils of the contractor you used.

Sasha07 · 20/02/2026 19:45

I'd say no, say before it was there, not having one was causing problems and you don't want to go through that again then nicely suggest they could do to theirs what you've done to yours.
Ofcourse no is a full sentence though but I definitely don't have the face to pull that off with someone I haven't fell out with!

But yeah, definitely don't do it. You're happy with it, it's on your property, it IS your property, the problem is theirs.

WilfredsPies · 20/02/2026 19:46

How high is the fence? Do they mean that they would really like to have a bit more space to open the car doors, or get bags out? So airspace rather than stepping over onto your drive?

I think I’d forget all about it until the next time they raise it, and then say Oh I thought about that but I couldn’t really understand what you meant as the fence is all on my property and doesn’t give you any more room whether it’s there or not, and it doesn’t benefit us to take it down, so I think we’ll keep it for now.

FictionalCharacter · 20/02/2026 19:47

ellogov · 20/02/2026 18:44

They said it was due to lack of space, but as pp have pointed out, taking it down won't make a difference unless they plan to use my side as well.

So there's your answer. They do want to use your side.

NotnowMildrid · 20/02/2026 19:49

They’re being cheeky fu*kers.

Smile sweetly and say you should widen your drive, it will be so much better for you blah blah blah. I haven’t looked back since I had mine done. Well worth the investment bla bla bla. Now fuck off.

Starlight7080 · 20/02/2026 19:49

Just say no i like having a fence.
You dont need to elaborate or say anything else. You dont have to justify why you want a fence.
Just shut the conversation down.

CasuallyConfused · 20/02/2026 19:50

I'd say no and explain you had it put in due to problems with the previous occupants using your side. They can have their drive widened if they need more space.

EagerLemur · 20/02/2026 19:52

Say no, you prefer the privacy and that you have had work done on your drive, and you can give them the details of who done your work

CasuallyConfused · 20/02/2026 19:52

CasuallyConfused · 20/02/2026 19:50

I'd say no and explain you had it put in due to problems with the previous occupants using your side. They can have their drive widened if they need more space.

Actually maybe leave out previous issues, just say you like the fence thanks, maybe suggest widening their drive like you did...

MrsPositivity1 · 20/02/2026 19:53

A fence between keeps friendships green

DotAndCarryOne2 · 20/02/2026 19:54

Nope. They’ve said they don’t have enough space. If you take down the fence they will be using your space. Absolutely not.

MrFluffyDogIsMyBestFriend · 20/02/2026 19:55

So the neighbours were just walking on your side to get in their car? And occasionally using your drive to manoeuvre? Why would you be bothered enough about that the put up a fence? You sound bonkers but maybe I'm the bonkers one as everyone seems to agree with you.

BananaPeels · 20/02/2026 19:57

MrFluffyDogIsMyBestFriend · 20/02/2026 19:55

So the neighbours were just walking on your side to get in their car? And occasionally using your drive to manoeuvre? Why would you be bothered enough about that the put up a fence? You sound bonkers but maybe I'm the bonkers one as everyone seems to agree with you.

There is a whole other thread on this very issue….

most people have fences between their properties. It is not abnormal.

wanderingstarz · 20/02/2026 19:57

MrFluffyDogIsMyBestFriend · 20/02/2026 19:55

So the neighbours were just walking on your side to get in their car? And occasionally using your drive to manoeuvre? Why would you be bothered enough about that the put up a fence? You sound bonkers but maybe I'm the bonkers one as everyone seems to agree with you.

I'm with you. It's not like they are parking on the OPs drive.

PS5Gamer · 20/02/2026 19:57

Nope.

littleredpiano · 20/02/2026 19:57

They bought it with the fence up. It’s on your property. End of. Leave it where it is. Say don’t worry it’s on my side. If you give in - there will be another thing and another thing… cheeky I say.

Howwilliknow122 · 20/02/2026 19:58

Op they purchased the house as seen and they knew there was a fence there. No one needs someone's else fence taking down unless it benefits them in some way, so just explain why it was put up in the first place , to avoid any issues. They have no right to ask you this. Do not agree.

Strawberry53 · 20/02/2026 19:58

I wouldn’t do this you will end up with the same problem and resentment as last time.

CovenOfCheeses · 20/02/2026 19:59

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.

Exactly this. Good fences make good neighbours.

littleredpiano · 20/02/2026 19:59

wanderingstarz · 20/02/2026 19:57

I'm with you. It's not like they are parking on the OPs drive.

…yet…

godmum56 · 20/02/2026 19:59

MrFluffyDogIsMyBestFriend · 20/02/2026 19:55

So the neighbours were just walking on your side to get in their car? And occasionally using your drive to manoeuvre? Why would you be bothered enough about that the put up a fence? You sound bonkers but maybe I'm the bonkers one as everyone seems to agree with you.

yes you are deffo the bonkers one.

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