Fence panels replacement-neighbours consideration

doberryfirkin

A recent repair means I need to replace a wooden fence panel along the boundary of my garden. I 'own' the fence so maintain it. The fence consists of a dozen or so panels. I have proposed putting in a more sturdy panel however my neightbours might not be happy since the new panel would be different to the others - all of which don't need replacing. That said it would be the same size, wooden and treated in the same colour.

Legally where do I stand? Do I have to replace all even if they are not damaged?

maninthestreet

You can replace any number of panels you want, including none at all. There is no legal requirement for you to seek your neighbour's approval to replace any of the fence panels, even if you use a different style of panel.

stator

As long as the fence belongs to you and the land belongs to you, you can do whatever you want (within the usual planning laws).

victor2

If it's your fence on your land, you can replace just however many panels you see fit to do.
However, you could be neighbourly and inform your neighbours what you are going to do, just in case they were "thinking of repainting their side of your fence". Last year, our neighbour replaced the whole of the fence on his boundary with new good quality featheredge panels. He even painted the side facing us in the same colour as our other fences (different to his side), and made the "good" side face us. That was way beyond our expectations, but very pleasing!

Ant555

If the fence panels are currently painted and that colour is still available then, if painted, a new one won't stand out as too different to your neighbour.

In a similar manner to that described by Victor2 - I recently replaced some panels between myself and my neighbour and painted both sides of the fence for a couple of reasons;
1) In my opinion it is far, far easier to paint both sides before installation so I didn't have to worry about getting paint on the posts or the concrete at the bottom, I could slop plenty of fence paint at will into all the crevices and hard to reach areas as it was only falling on the grass.
2) If my neighbour had painted his side afterwards, it would probably have run down my side.

Just out of interest - why are you considering replacing one panel with a more robust style? Is it something you intend to repeat for all of them over time or is this particular panel susceptible to damage due to other reasons.

smudger1964

victor2 wrote: »

If it's your fence on your land, you can replace just however many panels you see fit to do.
However, you could be neighbourly and inform your neighbours what you are going to do, just in case they were "thinking of repainting their side of your fence". Last year, our neighbour replaced the whole of the fence on his boundary with new good quality featheredge panels. He even painted the side facing us in the same colour as our other fences (different to his side), and made the "good" side face us. That was way beyond our expectations, but very pleasing!

Wow you have got a great neighbour "neighbour of the year award"

victor2

smudger1964 wrote: »

Wow you have got a great neighbour "neighbour of the year award"

Can't complain...:)