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Neighbour dispute

leigh.c.butlervOwsEn-Wleigh.c.butlervOwsEn-W Posts: 17
in Problem solving
Hey everyone, 

I was wondering if someone could offer any advise. Appreciate this is a bit of a moany post (neighbours from hell).

Basically our neighbour has decided to construct what I would call a monstrosity of a building on the side of their perimeter which is clearly visible from our front garden. Looking at the laws I really dont think there is much I can do about it. I havent spoken to the neighbour yet but to be honest if they have just gone and put it up as it is then I dont think they really care. 

I have read that the building shouldnt be any higher than 2.5 meters but their garden is raised higher than ours so I think its probably at that 2.5 meter limit but not sure. 

Thanks

Leigh



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Posts

  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718

    Rutland, England
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think it would be best to contact your council @leigh.c.butlervOwsEn-W.
    These things can cause no end of trouble. Do you have any idea what it's for?

    The only thing I'd add is - are you the only household that's affected by it? I'm guessing not judging by your post. If the council decide to take a look, and there are several people who could have complained, that makes life a bit easier for you. This sort of thing can be truly horrible - even more horrible than that eyesore  :/  
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • leigh.c.butlervOwsEn-Wleigh.c.butlervOwsEn-W Posts: 17
    pansyface said:
    Is it a metal wall or is it part of a building?

    Is the trellis yours or theirs?

    If the trellis is yours, I’d plant a couple of Clematis montana below it and let them do their thing.

    If it’s a wall, and it complies with the height restrictions, I think you will have to love with it.

    If it’s a building, there may be local bye-laws as to the size of the footprint of outdoor buildings.
    Is it a metal wall or is it part of a building?
    Its half constructed at the moment but yes its going to be a complete outbuilding by the looks of it. 
    Is the trellis yours or theirs?
    Trellis is theres. 
    If the trellis is yours, I’d plant a couple of Clematis montana below it and let them do their thing.
    Was thinking something similar. We have a row of highish red robins just to the right out of sight of the photo so might contemplate moving them. :D 
    If it’s a wall, and it complies with the height restrictions, I think you will have to love with it.
    Yes, its a building. 
    If it’s a building, there may be local bye-laws as to the size of the footprint of outdoor buildings.
    Thanks, I will look this up. 
  • leigh.c.butlervOwsEn-Wleigh.c.butlervOwsEn-W Posts: 17
    Fairygirl said:
    I think it would be best to contact your council @leigh.c.butlervOwsEn-W.
    These things can cause no end of trouble. Do you have any idea what it's for?

    The only thing I'd add is - are you the only household that's affected by it? I'm guessing not judging by your post. If the council decide to take a look, and there are several people who could have complained, that makes life a bit easier for you. This sort of thing can be truly horrible - even more horrible than that eyesore  :/  
    Thanks for the comment! I'll definitely contact the council. 

    In terms of who's affected. Well I live at the end of a cul-de-sac so there are another 2 houses that you would say are in close proximity plus mine. I suppose I can give them a knock just to get their opinion on it. :)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    @pansyface was posting at the same time as me, and yes- covering the trellis will help but as it isn't yours, some screening further in will do the job. I wouldn't try moving your photinias, but maybe just consider planting something else, although it doesn't look as if you have much space. Perhaps a trellis on posts on your side, mimicking their one,  and a climber. 

    I hope you can get some help from the council though. They can be very hit and miss with many problems. If you can get a feel of how the other neighbours feel, that might help. Good luck to you. Very unpleasant. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Agree with @Fairygirl First port of call will be your local council.  At least you can ensure that any regulations are being adhered to.  If it is legal, trying to screen it would be much the best option.
    Just checking with the council means that it has not escalated to the degree whereby you would need to advise any future purchaser of your house of a "dispute".
    Very best of luck - neighbour disputes can be horrible - expensive too  :)
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited February 2023
    @leigh.c.butlervOwsEn-W I live on a cul-de-sac of houses. What I can say is the more people you can get on board who are prepared to contact the council the better. Councils respond better to numerous complaints on the same subject. Everyone on our street responded to some planning a few years ago and it was stopped.
    It looks to me as if it belongs on an Industrial Estate. If it is business premises it might be worth finding out from the council if possible, what they are doing and if it is all legal. You need special permissions I believe to run a business in a residential area.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Don't like to disagree @GardenerSuze but you do not always require special permission for a "small" business in a residential area.  It may well depend on the individual council and not all are sympathetic as I found out to my cost.  You may have a chance if machinery is being used - a noise monitor is sometimes offered but noise nuisance is often considered as subjective.
    Hopefully the OP is not going to be in that position :)
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @philippasmith2 Yes I am going on my own experiences so can understand it may vary. What might have happened here wouldn't have been small. A property next door to my Aunt who doesn't live locally changed the whole property to business use without permission. The council said it needed to be overturned but in the end it just went through anyway.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • leigh.c.butlervOwsEn-Wleigh.c.butlervOwsEn-W Posts: 17
    It gets worse.   :open_mouth:

    Building appears to be larger as they have just constructed another panel. Oh joy, 


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