Neighbour wants us to replace the existing hedge for a fence between our gardens
Anonymous user 01/03/2024 - 3.01 PM
Hi there. We have an existing hedge running the length of our back garden which is on 'our side' ownership wise. The new neighbours have said they do not like the hedge and want us to pull the hedge up and replace the border with a new fence!? We said we would consider contributing towards the cost dependant on what the costs would be. They say they have a quote for £3500 for the work and were being 'generous' to pay £1000 towards it, with us expected to pay the other £2500?? Firstly we do not have that kind of money to spend and surely they should be the ones to pay fully or the bulk of the cost, as the change it at their request. There is nothing wrong with the hedge and they bought the property with the hedge there. Is is around 6ft high. Do we have to agree to a fence? and if so, are we expected to pay the bulk of the costs?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
If the hedge is on your side of your garden and boundary line, Theres nothing they can do about it. If it was blocking light then they might have a case to ask you to lower it. But as far as moving it you dont have to AT ALL. TBH they have a cheek by asking you for anything really, the total cost is down to them if they want a fence. And if they want 1 it goes on their border NOT YOURS.
I think they are just trying their luck with you.
Tell them you was thinking about getting a new kitchen, and wondered if THEY would like go half each with you ?
If the hedge is in your border and belongs to you then you don't need to pay a penny if your happy for the hedge to stay. If they want to replace it with a fence then that's up to them, however you have to give permission for them to do so and to make good any damage they cause to your garden in the process. The other solution is they just put a fence up in there garden so that it sits in front of your hedge if it's bothering them that much.
Hope this helps.
Maybe they should have thought about that before moving in. You’re not obligated to do anything at all, it would be a courtesy of course to keep the hedge looking nice and neat, but as for ripping it up and putting a fence up, if you don’t want to then don’t. If they are that bothered they can put a fence up on their own side of the hedge
Answered24 April 2023
0
Anonymous user
Totally in your rights to keep it where it is. If you’re happy for a fence and they pay then that’s up to you but you do not have to pay for it.
