Nosey Neighbours

LocoLoco

I had problems with my neighbours looking over my fence and I found it very troubling and intrusive. I tried ignoring it but that did nothing so in the end I had to tell them to stop doing it. They were a bit off with me for a while but all was okay after a couple of months.


In your situation I'd speak to them next time you see them doing it and just tell them that you don't like it. Make it clear you're happy to talk to them about the building work in case they've got concerns about it for some reason but I think you need to speak clearly to them as they don't seem to have any manners and aren't likely to change their behaviour if they're not challenged.


I personally wouldn't dream of standing on a box to peer over someone's fence so I can never fathom why other people think it's perfectly okay.

metroman

aileth wrote: »

when me and OH were out in the garden they often totally by concidence (although it's the only time they ever came out) also came out and stood by the fence trying to listen in to us talk.

They both do this too.

poet123

I would have some "work" done in my garden and in the course of that erect a new fence. I would not mention anything to them or let them think that you have noticed, if asked I would just say that it had always been part of the plan to increase the fence height as you plan to use the summerhouse for working in occasionally and you need the privacy.

AdrianC

metroman wrote: »

Absolutely impossible for me to be able to do this, and I know for certain I wouldn't be alone on this one.

Depends. You are, I presume, in a town at the moment. Yes, big gardens in towns are expensive. Big plots in the countryside are not necessarily expensive.

trailingspouse

My immediate reaction would be to invite them in to have a look at what you're up to. They are looking either because they are interested (would like something similar, wonder how much it's all costing, etc) or they are concerned that you are building something that will impact on their own gardens. Presumably if they can see you, you can see them.

Next time they're out, shout a cheery hello and ask if they'd like to come over for a closer look. That should either send them scurrying indoors, or they will come, look, and their minds will be put at rest.

Miss_Marple_2

I'd agree with others.

During the construction phase, be polite, invite them to have a look. They may be concerned that you are building something that would require planning permission or have a negative impact on their outside space, so are just keeping an eye on it.

If they aren't normally nosy, they are probably just interested in the construction. I'd wait to see if they continue after it is built. If so - then put your fence up.

I'd say that being a bit nosy during construction is just about acceptable ( we all have an interest in anything new), but continuing to peer into your garden after it is built & whilst you are in there relaxing is not OK.

metroman

AdrianC wrote: »

Depends. You are, I presume, in a town at the moment. Yes, big gardens in towns are expensive. Big plots in the countryside are not necessarily expensive.

No, not in a town. Im in a semi rural location, and the garden is a really good size.

comeandgo

Has this just started with the construction of the summer house or have they always had a good look? If it's only during construction then I,d guess they will stop once it's finished, especially if you are not doing anything else that would interest them.

Mojisola

aileth wrote: »

when me and OH were out in the garden they often totally by concidence (although it's the only time they ever came out) also came out and stood by the fence trying to listen in to us talk.

Weren't you tempted to discuss totally outrageous things when you knew they were there - the latest commission that your hit-man OH had received and how much he was being paid for it, the swingers party you were going to at the weekend, your plans for massive boob implants, on so on?:rotfl:

tvstudent

Don't know if it helps (it probably doesnt..!) But I have a slightly related situation. I've just bought a very flashy looking classic car (for peanuts, like my username suggest I am a student, and bought it cause I can fix it myself if it goes wrong) and people seem to completely ignore the fact that I am there. They will walk up to it when I am working on it or waiting in traffic, and even touch the paintwork or get down to look at the exhaust. All without acknowledging my presence. I've been stood for a good five minutes by my car in a car park waiting for people to be polite and nick off so I can get into my own car. They can see me standing there, they just seem to think my automobile is public property. One even said in a minute, I'm just having a look! So my standard response is to take the bull by the horns and say 'Can I help you?' Not rudely, but just to make them aware that what they're doing is in fact an invasion of my privacy. Generally people either say something nice or sod off after that. I love the car, but I don't like the type of attention it gets.