Neighbours extension & scafolding

lisa701

Need some advice.

My neighbour built a two storey rear, and single storey side extension to her house about 15 years ago. During the build of the two storey extension they had scaffolding erected which extended across a brick built shed we have which is seperate to the house and close to the boundary line. The scaffolding didnt bother me, but the damage left by their builders some of it as a result of the scaffolding did concern me.

I've now discovered they intend to build a second storey on top of the existing single storey side extension so the scaffolding alarm bells are now starting to ring in my ears!!

The existing structure extends from the side of their house and to approx. 1 metre away from the boundary fence. They do not intend to change this, but to just build on top of it. My concern is the proximity to my property and the risk they may once again have scaffolding erected which extends across my driveway or worst still the legs of the scaffolding on my driveway.

Do I have any rights here?

smifffy1989

It would be unreasonable to deny them access, but I would discuss your concerns with them in a friendly manner.

If the worst happens then they are liable to rectify any damage to your property.

warmhands.coldheart

Yes. I believe they do...... Personally I'd agree to let them do it with the caveat that any damage what-so-ever no matter how small or "trivial" in their eyes be put right once work is completed and possibly put a timescale, obviously within reason, on how long it can be there.... You don't want to be unreasonable with neighbours but at the same time they can't be taking the P.....

Poppy9

Have they applied for planning permission? You can check your local council website - they should have a search facility.

You can object to the planning application but you may not be successful but could maybe get some consideration on the erection of scaffolding on your property.

phill99

If you do allow them access, document the state of the drive, outhouse, gardens etc before they start, with photos. Then you have a document to refer back to when they have finished.

Remember you don't have to allow them access to put their scaffold in your land, nor even in your air space.

DigForVictory

How have you found out about this plan? A Planning notice, a natter on the drive, a chat over a brew & biscuits?

Talk to them. Focus on the "how exciting, no problems with the scaffolding but you are going to make sure they make good any damage, Aren't You?" while biting back the "unlike last time". Try to keep it friendly, as it's an investment that will pay off when you need them to sort things out that are not to your satisfaction but don't affect them.

Try to agree hours, days, radios, where folks park etc? That way when you have friends over, you can be reasonably sure they won't get blocked in or spattered & if they need an extra large waggon to unload at some time, they can be sure you will be fine if asked!
Best of luck!

paddyrg

Maybe ask if you can be in on the meeting with the scaffolder/QS/whoever is managing the build?

lisa701

smifffy1989 wrote: »

It would be unreasonable to deny them access, but I would discuss your concerns with them in a friendly manner.

If the worst happens then they are liable to rectify any damage to your property.

Sadly the neighbour in question is not approachable. When their builder caused damage last time she would not even give us the telephone number of the builder. Despite having photographic evidence she denied all knowledge and bascially said our property was damaged beforehand, which the photos proved was not the case. We ended up having to get our home and car insurance companies to do all the work at our cost.

lisa701

paddyrg wrote: »

Maybe ask if you can be in on the meeting with the scaffolder/QS/whoever is managing the build?

Would be nice to be there but as the neighbour is unlikely to tell us when they are coming we won't know anything about it until we get home from work.

lisa701

phill99 wrote: »

Remember you don't have to allow them access to put their scaffold in your land, nor even in your air space.

Is that right? So what do I do if I get home to find they have gone ahead and done so without asking me first?

Whilst our driveway is its full width (i.e. we have no side extensions) we obviously use the area to access the rear of our property, store wheelie bins etc. Anything that were to encroach on that space would be an issue for us.

phill99

If they are being difficult, I would point blank refuse to allow them to put scaffolding on your land, including airspace.