Neighbour disputes

fixt

Our neighbour unlawfully removed our hedge two years ago in a boundary issue and although we protested they simply challenged us to sue them 'what you going to do about it' they said. We are OAP's and unable to pay the cost of solicitors' fees and they knew it. 

Over time our relationship with them has deteriorated dramatically and the further garden landscaping they are doing which is significant in scale, is impacting us badly to the point we are emotionally very distressed.

We have complained to the council therefore about these developments and in turn (of course) our neighbours have complained about us. The upsetting thing though is that the complaint of there's relates to a log store at the side of our garage which was previously concealed by our hedge but became exposed and visible only when the hedge was removed by them. This feels like a massive injustice to us and we would like to know how we can deal with this? Our council planning office is unsympathetic to domestic boundary matters which are classed as civil matters and we feel completely abandoned.

subjecttocontract

Well you have 3 choices.
* You accept it. Or
* You fight it. Or
* You ignore it.
Which option do you want ?

TripleH

Do you know where the boundary line is?

Are you certain?

Thinking the boundary is one thing and legally it being one thing can be 2 different things (hence the dispute).

The neighbours might be 'correcting' an historical misjustice or they may be bullies.

This has descended into tit for tat so it might be worth easing off to let it calm down.

If you have your title deeds it might be worth checking them and if possible doing some measuring of your own preferablyvwhen the neighbours are out.

Check also that the neighbours aren't planning on building work (see lampposts near your property). It might be worth making a mark on your land on the boundary (in a subtle way) and monitor to check there isn't a land grab going on.

Seeming to go quiet but gathering evidence discreetly helps you if things reignite plus I suspect the council have you and your neighbour marked as trouble, so you going quiet can make your neighbours complaints look worse.

Grumpy_chap

fixt said:

Our neighbour unlawfully removed our hedge two years ago in a boundary issue and although we protested they simply challenged us to sue them 'what you going to do about it' they said. We are OAP's and unable to pay the cost of solicitors' fees and they knew it. 

Over time our relationship with them has deteriorated dramatically and the further garden landscaping they are doing which is significant in scale, is impacting us badly to the point we are emotionally very distressed.

We have complained to the council therefore about these developments and in turn (of course) our neighbours have complained about us. The upsetting thing though is that the complaint of there's relates to a log store at the side of our garage which was previously concealed by our hedge but became exposed and visible only when the hedge was removed by them. This feels like a massive injustice to us and we would like to know how we can deal with this? Our council planning office is unsympathetic to domestic boundary matters which are classed as civil matters and we feel completely abandoned.

Was the hedge definitely on your land?

Did you reinstate a boundary marker, fence, hedge?

sheramber

What landscaping are they doing and how is it impacting you.

Withlut knowing that no one can advise you.

Okell

You might be better posting on the House Buying, Renting and Selling board.  House buying, renting & selling — MoneySavingExpert Forum

I'll suugest this thread be moved.

You could also try posting on Legal Beagles:  Housing, Property and Neighbours - LegalBeagles Forum

Alderbank

I am intrigued by the 'log store at the side of our garage which was previously concealed by our hedge but became exposed and visible only when the hedge was removed by them. This feels like a massive injustice to us...'

What's the story there and why is it a massive injustice?

Ergates

Alderbank said:

I am intrigued by the 'log store at the side of our garage which was previously concealed by our hedge but became exposed and visible only when the hedge was removed by them. This feels like a massive injustice to us...'

What's the story there and why is it a massive injustice?

My reading was that the neighbour has complained about the log store on the side of the garage (maybe because of it's appearance) that only became visible after the neighbour removed the hedge.

Okell

Ergates said:

Alderbank said:

I am intrigued by the 'log store at the side of our garage which was previously concealed by our hedge but became exposed and visible only when the hedge was removed by them. This feels like a massive injustice to us...'

What's the story there and why is it a massive injustice?

My reading was that the neighbour has complained about the log store on the side of the garage (maybe because of it's appearance) that only became visible after the neighbour removed the hedge.

I think it only became visible after the neighbour wrongly removed the OP's hedge without the OP's permission.

The massive injustice is in the irony that the neighbour caused the log store to become visible

sheramber

It would help if the OP tod us what the neighbour complained about re the log store.

Is it unsightly?
Does the neighbour consider  it a potential danger to them?
Is it large and maybe should have had planing permission?

ThisIsWeird

Too many unknowns here, Fixt.
I take it you don't have Legal Protection in your house insurance? If you'd had, and the neighbour removed your hedge, then the outcome would have been enjoyable to witness.
Anyway... What is the issue with this log store? And, how long has it been there? Can you provide reasonable evidence for its age? If so, then almost certainly the Planning dept can do nothing about it.
What is the actual issue that's causing you stress over their landscaping? Noise? Disruption? Or something properly tangible like them encroaching on your land?
Assuming the situation is as you describe - but, of course, we have zero context - then as soon as you knew they were 'oles, you should have added LegProt, either to your existing policy, or as a stand-alone policy. It wouldn't have protected you against the hedge issue (unless they just fancied taking it on!), but would be covering you now over any new, and genuine, unacceptable behaviour.
You asked how to deal with this. That's how, but I fear it's too late.