Cannot sell house due to Hoarder next door

Good_Old_Bakes

Davesnave wrote: »

Yes, your info is correct but....

'could serve a S215 notice'

'has the authority to...'

Weasel words.

Anyone who has seen this in action knows that it typically takes years before the council act.

yeah, alright...whatever.

Northants1979 wrote: »

Working in planning enforcement i would state clearly that S215 only covers land within public view. i.e front or side gardens which can be viewed from the public realm. This may not assist with respect to the issues you are having at the rear of your property.

Good luck.

And also working in planning enforcement I can clearly state that s215 also covers the rear of properties which can be viewed from neighbouring land and/or buildings.

It will be interesting to see how far the OP's EH department go with this, as unless the build up contains materials likely to attract vermin, they don't usually bother with serving notices.

mrputney08

In the meantime I would look to renting it out on a 6 month Assured Shorthold Tenancy so you don't lose any more money on Council Tax, standing charge for gas, leci etcetera. If you need any info on letting out private msg me, I'd be happy to help.

shot_down_in_flames

I can let it out if I say nothing but due to the degree of hoarding and the portable heating and being attached even the council and estate agents have said that its a fire risk for occupants of my property rented or sold! I do have a concience and I would not let my own son rent it for fear of his safety so it follows that I wouldnt want to put any resident at risk.
I do think that the council should take on board my plight re expecting council tax in full for an unoccupied property that is using none of their services as in refuse collection etc. They are aware it is on the market and that I have difficulty selling because of this situation that they have now involved themselves with due to my report.
Am I right in reading that if the property is partially furnished it attracts a 10% discount? not that it makes much difference to my situ.

shot_down_in_flames

Good_Old_Bakes wrote: »

yeah, alright...whatever.



And also working in planning enforcement I can clearly state that s215 also covers the rear of properties which can be viewed from neighbouring land and/or buildings.

It will be interesting to see how far the OP's EH department go with this, as unless the build up contains materials likely to attract vermin, they don't usually bother with serving notices.

Would you consider that boxes of cornflakes, cooking oil, bottles of blackcurrant / cola etc wold attract vermin? These are now being stored in the garage and have already said that a cat was very interested in the base of bottom shed where more stuff is stored.
The E.H have stated that if no comply they WILL serve notice and fine.

shot_down_in_flames

Northants1979 wrote: »

Working in planning enforcement i would state clearly that S215 only covers land within public view. i.e front or side gardens which can be viewed from the public realm. This may not assist with respect to the issues you are having at the rear of your property.

Good luck.

Thank you - the debris as in bin liners crockery etc can be clearly seen from the drive which is at the side of the property and in full view of the road / passers by walking on the pavement and from properties oposite so does that cover S215?

Good_Old_Bakes

shot_down_in_flames wrote: »

Would you consider that boxes of cornflakes, cooking oil, bottles of blackcurrant / cola etc wold attract vermin? These are now being stored in the garage and have already said that a cat was very interested in the base of bottom shed where more stuff is stored.
The E.H have stated that if no comply they WILL serve notice and fine.

Are the corn flake boxes full or empty? Usually EH will consider it if the accumulation consists of food stuffs or potential nesting material (old sofas, mattresses, clothes, blankets etc) For this they will serve a section 4 PDPA (Prevention of Damage by Pests Act). Is that what they've said?

Look luv, I'm only trying to help. I don't know why you're getting all uppity with me. After all, it's only my line of work. I'll just keep my gob shut then and let you crack on with it. Good luck, hope you get it sorted.

Davesnave

Good_Old_Bakes wrote: »

Look luv, I'm only trying to help. I don't know why you're getting all uppity with me. After all, it's only my line of work. I'll just keep my gob shut then and let you crack on with it. Good luck, hope you get it sorted.

There's no evidence that the OP is 'uppity' with anyone. She has been civil throughout.

You responded to my last comment with " yeah, alright...whatever" ...which is pretty dismissive.

There is plenty of evidence in the media to back up what I said, but I also have personal experience. The county council were pressed for years by a parish council near me, to act in a case where a S215 would have been appropriate. I believe there was, finally, an agreement to act, but before anything happened, frustrated locals took matters into their own hands....

I don't want to give more detail than that, but criminal proceedings followed.

SNOOP

Mentally ill doesn't necessarily mean stupid.

Now that neighbour knows you are looking to sell, I cant see that you have anything to loose from approaching said neighbour in hope of a friendly resolution (I do know that may be far fetched).

Or failing that in most towns/cities there are individuals you can pay (I imagine rather small amounts) to "negotiate" (but in a non threatening manner) hard to settle differences.

So in short cant you just have a word either politely or not so politely .

moneyistooshorttomention

As in "negotiating" via the sort of people that can be met in a rough type pub and a couple of hundred £s handed over on the quiet to "negotiate"?

OP is in hard circumstances, but I think the local "rough pub louts" as a tactic would be overdoing it a bit in these circumstances.

If life and liberty were threatened you might get out the wallet in the type of pub you'd never normally go in...but....errr...nope...not advisable....

shot_down_in_flames

Good_Old_Bakes wrote: »

Are the corn flake boxes full or empty? Usually EH will consider it if the accumulation consists of food stuffs or potential nesting material (old sofas, mattresses, clothes, blankets etc) For this they will serve a section 4 PDPA (Prevention of Damage by Pests Act). Is that what they've said?

Look luv, I'm only trying to help. I don't know why you're getting all uppity with me. After all, it's only my line of work. I'll just keep my gob shut then and let you crack on with it. Good luck, hope you get it sorted.

Yes the cornflake boxes are full unopened straight from the car after the shopping trip and straight into the garage. There are no old sofas / matresses visible but yes clothing.
In regards to your comments re being uppity - no idea why you think that. You boasted your badge so to speak by saying you worked in planning dept so I responded to your post and asked you a question. I wasnt being flippant I wanted your advice. Anyway no offence taken as I tend to disregard reading too much into late evening posts in case they are fuelled by:beer: