Neighbour from Hell

sam1970

Apologies if it is the inappropriate board as I could not find any more suitable discussion board. To keep the story short, our next door neighbour decided to replace his house's roof. An extension he built before meant that in order to reach his roof from our side he will need to put scaffolding in our garden. He approached me (we never met before as he was renting the house out) and I reluctantly agreed with the promise that scaffolding will be removed in two weeks. Six weeks later and it is still there. We have all the rubble, nails, various building stuff falling in our garden which has become a real mess. He keeps coming up with excuses for the work delay and now his attitude has become..tough..no other option. Can I do any thing? any advice please?

EssexExile

If that's your definition of a neighbour from hell then you have lived a blessed life!

sam1970

We had other problems since we met him first time but this is the one I need sorting out first

DevilDamo

Did you get anything writing that could potentially be enforceable?

sam1970

No.. never thought of it. Iam just wondering now how can I get rid of him and his scaffolding?will I be able to report anywhere that he is having scaffolding on my land without my permission?

sam1970

Actually I have a text message from him when we first agreed confirming that he will finish work in 2 weeks?

EssexExile

Is the delay anything to do with the little health problem we are experiencing at the moment?

DOH_a

That is definitely a start and something that may help. If he’s not willing to co-operate or does not agree to a final deadline, then you may not have any choice but to take this further via the legal routes. There is probably a case for trespass. Unfortunately it’s not something the Council can get involved in or have any control of.

sam1970

EssexExile said:

Is the delay anything to do with the little health problem we are experiencing at the moment?

Not really. Just lazy builders coming to work late, lunch time, and not coming every day of the week

sam1970

DOH.a said:

That is definitely a start and something that may help. If he’s not willing to co-operate or does not agree to a final deadline, then you may not have any choice but to take this further via the legal routes. There is probably a case for trespass. Unfortunately it’s not something the Council can get involved in or have any control of.

Iam not sure what do the council really do? Never had anything to show for the £275 a month iam paying...apart from waste collection which clearly would not cost that much.

DevilDamo

I assume you’re referring to Council Tax? Every renewal you’ll be told where the money goes. However, I was really referring to the Planning and Building Control departments, neither of which would get involved with disputes over scaffolding.

Btw, I am the same person (DOH.a) above incase you were wondering. Just need to remember to use the original and therefore older forum account.