Fence ownership confusion

Wisteria21

LP see no issue with me sending my letter and seemed confused I called to check. They've outlined that if this did escalate in some way the scenarios in which we'd be covered, and that we could go to a solicitor if we wanted for a free consultation, and that a solicitor could send a more strongly worded letter if necessary. 

RAS

LP are probably used to people who get themselves in a tangle before contacting them. Or of may just have been that call centre worker?

Wisteria21

RAS said:

LP are probably used to people who get themselves in a tangle before contacting them. Or of may just have been that call centre worker?

They reacted a lot like posters here, confused as to why the neighbours would think it was their fence if the facts are as I state them, so lots of clarifying questions about fence position, who put in the fence, maintained it etc.

It's given me confidence that this is very clear cut and they didn't seem to think there was much potential escalation for this unless the neighbours decide to harass us, and that if I wanted to go in nice requesting evidence of ownership first that's fine, but also what my next steps might be if they reacted poorly, so that was reassuring.  

WIAWSNB

That sounds positive.

I strongly suggest you get a CCTV camera set up to cover your patio area and these panels. Remember, keep it low enough to not view over the panels but only your own property, in which case you can mount it discreetly and not have to put up any signs. 

IMOU cameras work really well, and can be picked up for around £25 on t'Bay. 

At some point you'll be removing these panels to work on your patio, so you'll want to capture any silly behaviour from these folk.

evidence...evidence...evidence

Wisteria21

Letter has been delivered, no direct response yet. One of the neighbours has gone outside to look at the fences and then down our road to look at other houses, appearing increasingly unhappy. This was then followed by an uncharacteristic amount of shouting at that neighbour by our other neighbour, including the words 'so it's not our fence then?'

So, we'll see how that develops. 

Myci85

Sounds like they've finally got the message then!

WIAWSNB

Sounds good.
But still put your camera up as before, set low so as to not look over on to their land, and ideally in a discrete location.
I suggest something like up at your house, and aiming down your garden, with the fence line being included in the frame, and at just below fence height. This is done for security reasons... This should also capture any conversations you may have with them regarding ownership.
When you come to do your patio, you will want any unacceptable behaviour captured.

Wisteria21

Spoke to next doors wife today, they say it states it's theirs in the TA6 form and that you always own your lefthand side anyway. 

I have shown them that's not true via Google, she says she will speak to the solicitor she bought the house from and contact the land registry. She does not dispute the boundary lines, but still thinks they own the fence. 

WIAWSNB

Wisteria21 said:

Spoke to next doors wife today, they say it states it's theirs in the TA6 form and that you always own your lefthand side anyway. 

I have shown them that's not true via Google, she says she will speak to the solicitor she bought the house from and contact the land registry. She does not dispute the boundary lines, but still thinks they own the fence. 

Brilliant. Hoisted by their own whatsits.
There is zero convention on fence ownership. 
And if the previous owner messed up, it also has zero bearing on you.

Wisteria21

WIAWSNB said:

Wisteria21 said:

Spoke to next doors wife today, they say it states it's theirs in the TA6 form and that you always own your lefthand side anyway. 

I have shown them that's not true via Google, she says she will speak to the solicitor she bought the house from and contact the land registry. She does not dispute the boundary lines, but still thinks they own the fence. 

Brilliant. Hoisted by their own whatsits.
There is zero convention on fence ownership. 
And if the previous owner messed up, it also has zero bearing on you.

I think I'm definitely dealing with stupidity rather than malice, although in a way malice would be easier. 

I'm just hoping she does talk to someone who can explain the matter to her. I was very encouraging about talking to her solicitor for clarity. I mentioned I'd already spoken to our legal protection and I don't think she had a clue what that meant or what barring it might have on the matter.

On the positive side she seemed pleased I wanted to do some work on the house because they're also worried about things that need doing on my side, and if i can just get that sorted peacefully the rest doesn't matter that much.