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Perfect solution to privacy issues on new builds or overlooked gardens

PhotiniaPrincessPhotiniaPrincess Posts: 40
in Problem solving
I've moved to new build estate and found that one of my neighbours can see directly into our garden (and frequently looks in) since they raised the level of their garden reducing the fence height to less than 5ft. After failing in discussions to get them to do anything about it, I've managed to add a trellis to the top of it with their consent. Unfortunately the deeds to most new builds state that you cannot adjust the fence height, you cannot adjust the ground levels and you cannot plant trees. This is quite restrictive by any means for anyone who has any similar issues. I've now found what I think is the perfect solution. It's called a privacy screen. Basically you install new fence posts within your own boundary and you screw these to the top like a floating trellis. As they are not a fence they don't breach the restrictions in your deeds. There are a few retailers of these online. They come in all shapes, patterns and sizes and there are portrait or landscape ones. As they're made from composite resin they don't need any maintenance either. I plan on installing a few of these next year myself. These are from ScreenwithEnvy 
 

Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    They are lovely but I bet they are expensive. 
    We live on a new estate but aren't overlooked and our deeds have loads of covenants that stop you doing things but no one takes any notice and when I asked the developers who would  enforce it they weren't interested and our solicitors couldn't help either. I assume that if you objected you would have to challenge and pay legal costs to try and enforce them so who would bother?
    Hope you are getting to the stage where your garden feels more private.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I just made mine with posts and roofing battens. Inexpensive, and great for climbers as well as privacy.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Just reminds me to never ever live in a new built, whoever designs those estates should be ashamed, packing houses like sardines.

    I have to say I dislike most of the patterns screen with envy sell, been looking for a panel to add over our front garden wall as a more contemporary alternative to railings but all are so fussy. Will probably have to design my own metal railing and call it a day.

    Anyway, hope the OP finds a design that suits their purpose!
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    I have to agree with your opinion of new estates.  Houses are packed in with little or not privacy and very limited parking too.  My nephew and his wife both need to drive for work so both have cars, not massive ones, and they barely fit on their drive.  Any visitors have problems finding anywhere to park because the roads are so narrow.
  • PhotiniaPrincessPhotiniaPrincess Posts: 40
    K67 said:
    They are lovely but I bet they are expensive. 
    We live on a new estate but aren't overlooked and our deeds have loads of covenants that stop you doing things but no one takes any notice and when I asked the developers who would  enforce it they weren't interested and our solicitors couldn't help either. I assume that if you objected you would have to challenge and pay legal costs to try and enforce them so who would bother?
    Hope you are getting to the stage where your garden feels more private.
    They are pricey but they’re very stylish and I see them as an investment. It’s already cost £500 to have a joiner fit slatted trellising to our side of the fence as they wouldn’t let me install it along the top with post extensions as they classified that as being on ‘their side’. Given that wood will eventually fit I thought these would be stylish, long lasting and maintenance free as they don’t need painting. 

    Yes, legal challenge I assume you can do yourself via small claims courts if damage/expense caused through breach in deeds. Inexpensive and usually effective. 
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