New neighbour planning fence that will block out light from living room

timothygeldard · 22 June 2010 at 12:23PM

Thanks everyone - some really useful advice. Really like the magnolia/mirror ideas if it does go ahead.

Emmamumof2 · 22 June 2010 at 12:30PM

Perhaps he could use some fencing that isnt solid - something like trellis but a bit more sturdy - I think getting him in your flat to see what you see might be a bit more convincing if he's worried you overlook them more than you actually do!

chrissi17 · 23 June 2010 at 8:46PM

excuse me butting in, but am a complete newbie, and dont know where/how to start a new thread, so my apologies to begin with, and if i'm wrong in posting here, can someone please explain to me where it is best to post.

I'm wondering if anyone could advise on this case. I'm trying to help a friend who recently had to vacate her home as her neighbours put up a fence just millimetres away from her windows totally blocking her light. She is 82. Because it is a boundary, they are entitled to erect the fence because it is within the height restrictions so no planning permission was required. Because no planning permission was required no building regulations need to be met. Despite having a right of way for 30 years, she now only has a gap in a fence of around 18 inches accross as the normal rules dont apply. surely this cant be right. I dont know how to upload pictures to show you, but it was in the sun yesterday so a google search will show pictures, search for Gran boarded in by museum wall . Again, sorry for hijacking the thread, but Kath wants to go home where she has lived for 30 years.
It all seems so unfair. regards chrissi

swagman · 24 June 2010 at 2:55PM

The best next step Chrissi17 would be to visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau (address and contact in phone book) for free advice. You can do this on your friends behalf, but better with her if she gets about OK.

They will comment on the circumstances and, if appropriate, check your friends eligibility for free legal help from a solicitor. They will tell you which solicitors operate legal help and also which give free 30 minute initial consultations.

If, as you say, the fence meets planning regulations but has partially blocked a right of way as well as (possibly) right to light, then she needs legal advice.