Complaints about my garden - am I required by law to keep it tidy?

amcluesent

I'd prefer not to have neighbours who will 'see nothing' should the house be burgled etc.

anotherginger

iamcornholio wrote: »

Alternatively (and again not sure about Scotland), if a garden is in such a mess and may harbour nasties, vermin or hidden danger, then anyone can complain to the local council (England and Wales) and allege Statutory Nuisance under the Envirnonmental Protection Act. Specifically the claim would have to be that the area is "prejudical to health", which means "injurious, or likely to cause injury, to health. The "or likely" bit is a very good catch-all

This would not cover just plain untidiness, but if the untidiness concealed hidden dangers, then the Act would apply and the council can force the owner to clear the area to remove the danger - or possibility of danger.

stat nuisance wouldnt be used as a starting point by a council on most occasions...it would be easier to use the prevention of damage by pests act (PDPA)

sunshinetours

I'm just glad I don't live next door to someone like you. It is a kind of anti social behaviour however you wish to phrase it. And yes the neighbour has probably gone about it wrong but I can probably appreciate their frustration. Bottom line it comes down to laziness and lack of self pride in one's own possessions, an all too common problem these days, and nothing else IMO.

The tone of your query and some of the replies shows how many people are just interested in knowing their rights and not worrying about the responsibilities that also come with rights. Just cut the grass it won't kill you

gonzo127

sunshinetours wrote: »

Just cut the grass it won't kill you

i was just thinking this,

there is no need to get into petty nit picking such as the putting the grass cuttings in the other persons garden - really how childish can you get?

really i have a 80 foot back garden plus a 25 foot front garden and it only takes me roughly 2 hours to cut the grass on both,

now although it sounds as it if will be very high, i bet you only need to do your front garden done so that it doesnt look as bad to passers by so get a strimmer out to take the top off then a mower to collect the grass probably not take you more than 3-4 hours on a average sized front garden

Horlock

If you decide to cut the grass back - be careful you don't cut it to short as you will kill it if it has been left to grow too long. IMO regular maintenance is actually easier than a one off fix. However, as far as I can tell there is no obligation on you to do anything. I understand neighbours being frustrated (especially if they are trying to sell their house etc) and your anger at being treated rudely. One option to apease the neighbour is to allow them to keep your front garden - that way if they really care they can do something - if they are just grumpy they can remain grumpy.

hethmar

I dont understand why you dont get someone in to mow it while you are away. It wouldnt cost a lot - we have a 400 ft garden and its a pain but it still gets mowed now and then I take it yours isnt much more than a handkerchief - its silly to get neighbours upset when it would take you all of half an hour to have it looking nice.

FiFi_Mad_Mum

kungfuman wrote: »

I live in a semi detached house and in the past year or so, due to work commitments abroad, I've not been able to keep my garden tidy. The grass hasnt been cut in over a year:embarasse. It doesnt look good but my plan is in the next year or so is to pave the front for additional parking.
You admit it doesn't look good but why should it bother you - you don't have to look at the eye sore!

Anyway, as i was getting out of my car today, a neighbour a few doors down whose never spoken to me before said to me quite angrily 'you need to do something about your garden before I put in a complaint'. I was quite shocked and before I got a word in he stormed off. Anyway this has cheesed me off as a few other neighbours were out and heard this and he should of chosen to have a quiet word with me.
All the neighbours may have been discussing the state of your garden in your absence but maybe this particular neighbour was the only one brave enough to tackle you on the issue, perhaps why he wasn't bothered about who saw his confrontation.

I'm just wondering is there anything legally that states I am required to keep my garden maintained and tidy. I own the property which is in Scotland if that makes a difference

Speaking as someone who has neighbours that are oblivious to the fact that there Leylandi are blocking out the evening sunshine to my patio but I will have to let DH handle this situation more tactfully.

FiFi

Lube

Some people will be happy to use your garden for growing why not go to a landshare web site and offer it

Andy_WSM

Wow, desperate to avoid cutting that grass!

Just cut it already - or pay someone else to cut it with some of that money you earned abroad if you're too lazy/busy to do it yourself!

System

If the neighbours are so concerned about your grass, give them permission to cut it themselves. They want you to abide by their standards then let them do the work to achieve it.