My neighbour flipped when I refused to build a privacy fence & made a rash move in 24 hours – now I have to live with it


My neighbour flipped when I refused to build a privacy fence & made a rash move in 24 hours – now I have to live with it + ' Main Photo'

A HOMEOWNER has revealed their angst after their neighbour erected a DIY privacy fence as part of a “temper tantrum”.

Privacy fences have become big business in recent years, acting as a visual barrier between someones home and the outside world.

One homeowner has shared their annoyance at their neighbours new privacy fenceReddit

Where existing fences fail to provide enough privacy and security, homemakers are adding more seclusion with an extra fence A.K.A a privacy fence. 

But they’re the source of a number of neighbourly disputes.

That includes one homeowner who is livid at their neighbour’s shoddy job. 

Choosing to remain anonymous, they revealed that the neighbour “did it all himself” and even demanded to take down their fence.

“The reason I didn’t let him take my fence down is because the housing association doesn’t allow privacy fences,” they explained.

“And I have seen his handiwork before and this fence was no surprise.

“This is his temper tantrum for me telling him he needs approval from the housing association before I will let him replace my fence.

“He flipped out and put this s**t up in less than 24 hours.”

The new fence definitely provides privacy, but has been described as “looking seriously out of place” in the area. 

The disgruntled neighbour took to Reddit to moan about their fellow-resident’s “temper tantrum” fence. 

Fellow forum users were quick to warn about the dangers of the new fence.

“That small gap you now have between fences? Yeah, rodents and insects love to get all up in there and make homes,” one notified. “Just an FYI.”

“First wind storm and thats going to come down,” another predicted.

“The fence is a bag of s**t and will collapse in a strong wind,” a third echoed. 

The main purpose of a privacy fence is to block the view from neighbours or passersby.

However, they can be against the rules in certain community areas or estates.

It’s worth checking the rules of your local council and any governing bodies involved in your house before getting handy with the wood and nails. 

What are the garden fence rules in the UK?

THE experts at Beatsons Building Supplies put together a guide on everything you should know about garden fences

The main rule you should be aware of is that back garden fences can be a maximum of two metres (approx 6.5ft) tall and front garden fences can be one metre (approx 3.2ft) tall.

That encompasses standard fencing and any additional privacy fencing you want to add.

If you wish to install a fence in your back garden that is taller than this, you’ll need to seek planning permission from the local authority, Iain MacDonald advises.

This includes any trellis added to an existing fence that would take the height above two metres.

Regarding the front garden, you can have a taller fence unless you live near a highway. In this case, you’ll need planning permission.

Though not required, it’s nice to consult the neighbours if your new fence will impact their garden.