Nuisance Neighbour - Home extension

umeedify

Hello All

Was an old timer on the forum but had to create new credentials.

Just needed some advice regarding nuisance neighbours following my single story rear extension.

A year ago spoke to neighbours who we have known for 13 years regarding a rear extension, they totally tried avoiding any discussions around this.

Put planning application in through council they objected but it was passed.

During initiation when serving party wall notices etc, they delayed and delayed and asked for surveyor and tried delaying giving access etc etc you get picture. After getting award we went ahead.

Every step of the way we have appeased the neighbours and consulted them about everything including painting and rendering walls on their side.

The neighbours asked about privacy as after the extention we would overlook their garden, we asked that we could increase their fencing to give them privacy to which they agreed and were present when this was erected.

As the works came to an end, the neighbours knew that this would be a Saturday. On the Friday the builders put their post back which was when taken out loose. We had this secured as this was requested by the neighbours.

24 hours later they inform us (knowing builders gone on xmas break) that their concrete post is totally vertical and they want it put right immediately. We agreed to sort once builders were back in the new year.

Then the following day, they call and state that the extra fencing must be taken down as it breaches planning rules of 2.1 high and this must be done asap. We just said we will look into it.

So now you understand this neighbour who never got their way with planning has been trying to make matters difficult for us both financially and logistically. Our relationship has been strained due to their unreasonable behavior.

My question is:

They asked and with their consent we put the fencing up at great cost to appease them for now them ti state planning rules and ask us to take it down at some further costs. What can I do please? Or how shall I handle this?

Thanks

wellused

Why do the neighbours want the concret post out of vertical and how high is the new fence?

Mojisola

umeedify wrote: »

They asked and with their consent we put the fencing up at great cost to appease them for now them ti state planning rules and ask us to take it down at some further costs. What can I do please? Or how shall I handle this?

Let them make their complaint to the council. Unless the fence is excessively high, the council aren't likely to pursue it.

Do you have any photos of them standing around watching the builder putting up the fence?

wellused

I was going to say the same myself the council won't be bothered as long as the fence isn't excessively over height.

I_have_spoken

So you've reduced the neighbours privacy, created a lot of stress, mess and noise from building work which will only benefit yourself and then you're surprised when they want they work done to a standard?

Let them make their complaint to the council. Unless the fence is excessively high, the council aren't likely to pursue it.

Maybe not, but if OP ever wants to sell they'd need to disclose a dispute which will ring alarm bells for most buyers.

wellused

No dispute just "nuisance neighbours" or maybe you know different?

marleyboy

I_have_spoken wrote: »

So you've reduced the neighbours privacy, created a lot of stress, mess and noise from building work

Where did OP say there was mess, noise and stress? I cannot see it. Or maybe its just your usual interpretation of the facts.

Furts

umeedify wrote: »

Hello All

Then the following day, they call and state that the extra fencing must be taken down as it breaches planning rules of 2.1 high and this must be done asap. We just said we will look into it.

Thanks

My garden wall was increased from 1800 to 2250 high without any problems - it was approved by the Planning Authority but they could not care less about the height, within reason. So do not regard 2100 as being vitally important. Suppose you leave it in place and I suspect the council will do nothing about it.

Equally you could approach the council for a Minor Amendment to Planning. This could be a rubber stamp excercise at no cost to you, depending on how long since the Planning was granted and the procedures with your Council.

I do sympathise with your position - I have been there and done that, and neighbours can be awkward folks

I_have_spoken

Where did OP say there was mess, noise and stress?

Building work always creates mess and noise

No dispute just "nuisance neighbours"

An 'on the record' complaint to the Council over boundaries would be a dispute for the purposes of the Property Information Form

PasturesNew

Why did you want to overlook their garden in the first place? Are they nudists?

paddy's_mum

To just about ignore them is the only way forward. Let them make all the running.

There comes a point where if you let them carry on dictating every last petty, silly and useless point, you might just as well paint a D for doormat on your forehead.

It is possible to give neighbours too much say and too much power.

They've already virtually destroyed any trust you might have had in them so you have little to lose if they get even more petulant.

Alternatively, you could do as they request, remove the fence (handing back to them the part that belongs to them!) and then on your own land, erect some unlovely pallets/orange plastic webbing/old bedstead/rusting corrugated sheet replacement.

Presumably they would prefer that since apparently they don't like anything you do so what the heck?