fence issues with neighbour

fence_issues

I am looking for some advice regarding fencing issues we are having with our neighbour. To set the scene we have moved into a new build house where the neighbours put u a 6ft slated fence before we moved in

Out of courtesy we asked to double slat the fence. To increase privacy we have used the existing rail to put slats on instead of adding another rail. The neighbour is stating that this will cause fence to fall down which I think is ridiculous. However he is wanting lawyers to get involved. Even though he put the fence up its a boundary fence.

Are there any issues with double slatting the fence on a single rail?

Thanks

Rather fed up and annoyed neighbour

debonair

Could you state in writing that you would cover the cost of replacing the fence should your actions cause it to fall down?

flashg67

Can't see any issues. I have a double-faced fence at the front with a 3x2 rail just at the top and bottom and it's been up for 6 years+ and still looks good.
The issue may be whether you can add these to a fence which is (probably) technically owned by your neighbour. I suspect not, and you might have to build your own fence along side, which would be a waste and look daft!

Captaincodpiece

Why not put your own fence up on your side of the boundary?

I_have_spoken

Even though he put the fence up its a boundary fence.

The house deeds/plans should show if the fence is owned by one householder or shared.

If the fence is owned by the neighbour than nailing stuff to it is criminal damage

System

You asked to double slat it but what was their response ? There was nothing stopping you putting up your own or planting in front of it.

I would be seriously annoyed if anyone added to a fence I had paid for.

Gloomendoom

I_have_spoken wrote: »

The house deeds/plans should show if the fence is owned by one householder or shared.

If the fence is owned by the neighbour than nailing stuff to it is criminal damage

A fence is owned by whoever paid to have it erected.

Hedgehog99

In the deeds, it probably tells you what the fence has to consist of / height it has to be /timescale it has to be done by. If your neighbour is responsible for doing it, and has complied, then I'd have thought it's more appropriate to use foliage etc. your side if you don't like the fence. You say "for privacy" - do you mean the neighbour's fence has deliberate gaps? If so, and of deeds say he wasn't supposed to, then maybe there's something to work on.

Poppy9

This bodes well for peaceful living with neighbours!

Gloomendoom

fence_issues wrote: »

Even though he put the fence up its a boundary fence.

Boundary fence or not, it's still his fence. As somebody else said, if he doesn't want you to interfere with it, there is nothing to stop you putting your own fence up.

In the interest of good neighbourly relations, some form of compromise might be the best option though.

cyclonebri1

All the advice given you is good, it is his fence provided he erected it on his side of the boundary.
You are not allowed to attach anything to it without his consent, and he can remove that consent should you argue, which seems quite imminent;)

The alternatives are as above, plus you could even agree to go halves on any future maintenance, but the word "agree" may already have flown out the window:D:D