Can they do this???

brummiebabe

Am not sure if this is the right place to post this....I'm sure it'll get moved if not!

Just need some advice really. We've got new neighbours moving into the property next door (not attached to our property.) At the weekend, in a general conversation, my husband was told that, because they have a tiny back garden and a big front garden, they wanted to make use of the front garden more...and that they were considering putting up a fence between our front drive and their garden. However, they said that the fence would be "no higher than the garage!" Now their property is lower than ours..but that would mean approx a 5ft fence being erected to the side of our property!

This would block our whole view from our living room...all we'd be able to see is fence!! There are no other fences in the road..just lots of low walls, hedges etc..

We're really concerned about the possible impact of this on us and the value of our property.

We tried to contact them last night (they're not living at the property yet) and are waiting for a call back. We obviously want to clarify exactly what their intentions are (my DH was not paying FULL attention to the conversation..so may have missed something important:rolleyes: ) but want to know what our rights are...is there are general rule about heights of fences at the front of properties or would it specify this information in our deeds??? Anyone got any advice??

We certainly don't want to fall out with the neighbours as we live in a friendly road, but we're obviously concerned as to our rights. Thanks in advance x

Ems*Honie

Is it a new open plan estate? If it is then there may be soem rule against it. If its not then they are within their rights to put up a fence. I have heard conflicting reports on height, one being it can be 2m high at the house as long as it tapers to 1m at the road end, anoher is that they can build 6ft before requiring planning for it.

Have you expressed how you feel about losing your view? They may work something out with you?

Ems*Honie

Just to add, it may be an idea to look at gardenlaw.co.uk, they have a fence forum and some much better knowledge than me

jennifernil

Fences forward of the building line are often restricted to 3 feet or 1 metre, call your local council planning department for information.

brummiebabe

Ems*Honie wrote:

Just to add, it may be an idea to look at gardenlaw.co.uk, they have a fence forum and some much better knowledge than me

Thanks for this. I'd found this site thru google just after I'd posted - this seems to state that it can only be 1m high at the road end, but I will contact my council and maybe even check my deeds for clarification. Thanks