Neighbours extension & scafolding

warehouse

lisa701 wrote: »

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.

Well it's pretty easy then. No access whatsoever to your land and no encroaching into your space whatsoever. If you do allow scaffolding to be put up on your land after what happened before then you are mad. Don't bend an inch.

warmhands.coldheart

lisa701 wrote: »

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.

Well if that's the case, I'd tell them to go stuff it !!
Or alternatively tell them that you will permit it but on YOUR terms... i.e you must be given builders contact details. You want a full meeting with the builder and scaffolder on your terms at your house. You want full copies of the builder's/scaffolder's public liability insurance. Builder WILL be fully liable to any damage no matter how insignificant it may be to your property of grounds. And you want this all on a written signed document countersigned by your neighbour also noting that if builder/scaffolder reneges on promises then your neighbour is fully liable for damage costs

See how they like that !!

londonTiger

lisa701 wrote: »

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.

if that is the case then dont be a mug and deny access, weve passed the neighbourlyness part

JustinR1979

phill99 wrote: »

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

This! Be foolish to let !!!!!! benefit from damaging your property again:)

Well, maybe once they've paid for the damage from last time you could co-operate....

londonTiger

pay for damage last time and a £1000 deposit in case there is damage now.

moneyistooshorttomention

The relevant law about Access to Neighbouring Property Act (think that's what its called) allows access for "necessary maintenance". Extending an existing building isn't "necessary maintenance".

Tell them access is therefore denied. Better do it in writing and keep copies, etc.

Take photos of the way things are now just in case....

Try and figure out a way to block access for them to physically get onto your land to put the scaffolding up.

If you can manage to find out which firm is lined-up to do the work, send them a letter (copies kept) etc specifically stating that "though you understand (neighbour) proposes to do such-and-such work, using your firm for (scaffolding), will you please note that I have NOT given permission for access to my land and will not be granting permission" or words to that effect. Hopefully, that will prevent any firm even trying to trespass onto your land in your absence, as they wont be able to argue they didn't know they weren't allowed to.

Davesnave

I know someone who denied access to assist an extension.

The property was still extended, just not finished as well as it would have been. The property owner doesn't care, as he cannot see the less-than-attractive view. It's sound, just not very nice to behold.

The building process was also incredibly noisy at times, and it went on a long time.....

Sometimes it's better to compromise, even through gritted teeth.

I'm not saying let them walk over you, and a legal agreement is vital, but even Ian Paisley's, "Never, never, never!" turned into a "Well....maybe!"

Larry_saving_money

:beer::) Having been previously involved in this sort of disput I would ensure you get it right from the start. Firstly send a letter stating what you will accept. That you want it all in an agreement drawn up at their cost.
In other words you need confirmation of things like where the poles will be positioned, how high, debris netting etc.
That it will not prevent your own access
How long it will last
After 16 weeks a payment of 100 pounds per week overrun
Take copious photos to show and prove any damage later.
State that without a signed agreement then any scaffold will NOT be permitted and will be treated as trespass. You also need to charge a license fee which could be a pound or a few hundred.
Make it very clear in the license that they NOT their builder will be responsible for any damage whatsoever large or small.
You will never get it off the builder take it from one who knows.
Just don't under any circumstances let them have it without this agreement. You will almost certainly regret it ( I know )