Cheeky Neighbours. I need a lawyer.
Discussion
[rant]
Got home on Sunday after BTaP to find that the neighbours down the hill have parked their car on my drive.
Now you have to understand - This is quite a large drive...!...which I own half of and neighbours over the road (different ones) own the other half.
On this drive is a visitors parking space. It happens to be on my bit. My plot diagram shows I own it. the plot diagram states its visitors parking for 53 and 55. My house and my neighbour's house.
So the cheeky bint down the hill parked her Cheeky-Cento in it and left it there all Sunday and it was there when I went home at lunchtime today.
She's done this for two reasons. 1) I expect they had visitors and their drive is a bit small. 2) The fcukers have altered their house to convert their double garage into a single and the remaining space into a living room. They've actually done the work.
Now of course...the parking bay (ON MY DRIVE) doesn't exactly have a sign on it saying its mine..but it is. And how would you feel if someone parked up on your drive without asking for a day and half?
I'm sure if I tell them not to do it any more they'll be all offended and point out I have enough parking for at least six cars elsewhere but that isn't the point...its MY LAND and I PAID FOR IT!
So. A letter comes through the door on Friday and its about their planning permission for their garage conversion.
1) If I write saying I am deeply concerned that they are reducing the amount of parking they have and they already park on my drive - and effectively protest against their conversion (even though its almost complete!) - am I opening myself up to any trouble other than neighbourly stuff.
2) If someone leaves their car on my property - what legal rights do I have over it. e.g. Could I clamp it? Have it moved to the edge of my property?
Got home on Sunday after BTaP to find that the neighbours down the hill have parked their car on my drive.
Now you have to understand - This is quite a large drive...!...which I own half of and neighbours over the road (different ones) own the other half.
On this drive is a visitors parking space. It happens to be on my bit. My plot diagram shows I own it. the plot diagram states its visitors parking for 53 and 55. My house and my neighbour's house.
So the cheeky bint down the hill parked her Cheeky-Cento in it and left it there all Sunday and it was there when I went home at lunchtime today.
She's done this for two reasons. 1) I expect they had visitors and their drive is a bit small. 2) The fcukers have altered their house to convert their double garage into a single and the remaining space into a living room. They've actually done the work.
Now of course...the parking bay (ON MY DRIVE) doesn't exactly have a sign on it saying its mine..but it is. And how would you feel if someone parked up on your drive without asking for a day and half?
I'm sure if I tell them not to do it any more they'll be all offended and point out I have enough parking for at least six cars elsewhere but that isn't the point...its MY LAND and I PAID FOR IT!
So. A letter comes through the door on Friday and its about their planning permission for their garage conversion.
1) If I write saying I am deeply concerned that they are reducing the amount of parking they have and they already park on my drive - and effectively protest against their conversion (even though its almost complete!) - am I opening myself up to any trouble other than neighbourly stuff.
2) If someone leaves their car on my property - what legal rights do I have over it. e.g. Could I clamp it? Have it moved to the edge of my property?
I'm not an expert......but I would sort out the rights to the visitor spot. Get it clarified with the land registry people, which property the plot belongs to. Could cause you a lot of grief if you want to sell.
Then if your neighbour does not recognise the lay of the land kick up stink about the garage business (just for amusement!).
But probably you only have 4 weeks (IIRC) to file any objection to the application, and a lawyer sorting out the land issue will take longer than that (from my experience).
Then if your neighbour does not recognise the lay of the land kick up stink about the garage business (just for amusement!).
But probably you only have 4 weeks (IIRC) to file any objection to the application, and a lawyer sorting out the land issue will take longer than that (from my experience).
I thought that part of the planning permission was to check the number of parking spaces that the house would be left with. I am pretty sure there is a minimum number based on number of bedrooms, might be worth pursuing.
I have had numerous diputes with neighbours over parking and I know what an arse it can be. Good luck.
Nik
I have had numerous diputes with neighbours over parking and I know what an arse it can be. Good luck.
Nik
Don you can clamp it, or even remove it. But you have to have signs clearly stating that you will remove any unauthorised vehicles, together with the prices for clamping and/or removal and daily storage. It must also clearly state the boundaries that it refers to and who it is that will clamp(i.e. you). Its what I would do, and if they are so cocky as to do it again inspite of the large sign, I would clamp them or remove it, and charge them for its return.
I'd feel bad opposing the planning permission as they have already nearly completed it. Your problem will go away with the above action, so I think the planning permission opposition is a little unfair. And if you end up in a fight over it, fcuk them, they started it.
I'd feel bad opposing the planning permission as they have already nearly completed it. Your problem will go away with the above action, so I think the planning permission opposition is a little unfair. And if you end up in a fight over it, fcuk them, they started it.
If it is your land, you have every right to clamp it. The release fee is up to you as well.
Do you really want to go down that line anyway?
Have you spoken to the lady concerned?
She may be unaware of the situation about who owns the land.
Go and talk to her. Talk rather than posting a letter as it is much more personable and does get the point across better (honest). Tell her that it belongs to you and if she wishes to use it, in future it would have been more neighbourly if she would ask if she was likely to cause any inconvenience by parking there.
Don't lose the ability to be diplomatic over these sort of problems. I would imagine that if she is a decent sort and not a scrote, then she would be concerned about upsetting you.
She may even be able to do you a good turn or another in the future. You never know!
If she turns out to be completely unreasonable, then you can try more draconian measures to reinforce the point. Until then, make love, not war
Do you really want to go down that line anyway?
Have you spoken to the lady concerned?
She may be unaware of the situation about who owns the land.
Go and talk to her. Talk rather than posting a letter as it is much more personable and does get the point across better (honest). Tell her that it belongs to you and if she wishes to use it, in future it would have been more neighbourly if she would ask if she was likely to cause any inconvenience by parking there.
Don't lose the ability to be diplomatic over these sort of problems. I would imagine that if she is a decent sort and not a scrote, then she would be concerned about upsetting you.
She may even be able to do you a good turn or another in the future. You never know!
If she turns out to be completely unreasonable, then you can try more draconian measures to reinforce the point. Until then, make love, not war
Disputes with neighbours, particularly boundary disputes, are a nightmare and can really impact your quality of life. I would carefully consider the implications of any action you plan before implementing it.
Obviously I'm not advocating immediate surrender, but just saying to tread with caution.
EDIT: I see madcop has just beaten me to it and said basically the same thing. Oh well.
>> Edited by JonRB on Monday 4th November 15:59
Obviously I'm not advocating immediate surrender, but just saying to tread with caution.
EDIT: I see madcop has just beaten me to it and said basically the same thing. Oh well.
>> Edited by JonRB on Monday 4th November 15:59
feel the luvvv madcop bang on, the last thing you want is a feud going on with neighbours , but i can see why you are pissed off over it If the Planning Authority are only now putting out the consultation letters, then it would appear as if they have started the building alterations without approval. If the Planners don't like the work then they might force them to demolish what has been built anyway.
If they have tried to build without permission, what other authorities/persons will they try to rough ride over?
A civil approach first then stuff them if they tell you to **** off
If they have tried to build without permission, what other authorities/persons will they try to rough ride over?
A civil approach first then stuff them if they tell you to **** off
I'd second that. I had a lengthy dispute [4 years+], which I 'won' in the end. 'Win' tempered with the fact we had 4 really unpleasant years, and now some of the neighbours seem to variously ignore/dislike me and family, to which we reciprocate. It really would be better to sort things out on a sensible level first.
It is quite possible your neighbour is simply unaware of your strong feelings on the matter.
WB
It is quite possible your neighbour is simply unaware of your strong feelings on the matter.
WB
I wouldn't feel at all bad throwing a planning spanner in their works...
Think about this: Do you *really* want a clampers' sign nailed to the side wall of your house, Don? This is what you would need if you wished to clamp their car..
I suppose a 'friendly chat' before you make any decision is out of the question? This would of course make it easy for them to identify you as their planning nemesis I suppose..
Ho hum... don't people madden you some days...
what about installing a retractable barrier that collapses ino the ground - yerself and yoiur legitimate co-occupant of this 'visitors space' having the only keys/remotes or whatever..
Think about this: Do you *really* want a clampers' sign nailed to the side wall of your house, Don? This is what you would need if you wished to clamp their car..
I suppose a 'friendly chat' before you make any decision is out of the question? This would of course make it easy for them to identify you as their planning nemesis I suppose..
Ho hum... don't people madden you some days...
what about installing a retractable barrier that collapses ino the ground - yerself and yoiur legitimate co-occupant of this 'visitors space' having the only keys/remotes or whatever..
Step back a minute,
I am sure if you popped down and had a chat they would be all apologetic and promise it would not happen again, or you might think they are rather nice and stay for coffee and let them park on there in an emergency?
The more you mull it over in your head the more it winds you up and as a result they become demonised before you have even approached them.
Piece love and happiness to all.
I am sure if you popped down and had a chat they would be all apologetic and promise it would not happen again, or you might think they are rather nice and stay for coffee and let them park on there in an emergency?
The more you mull it over in your head the more it winds you up and as a result they become demonised before you have even approached them.
Piece love and happiness to all.
Car bombs first, talk later
But seriously, most people are reasonable, most people also want as much as they can possibly get from life / other people / pay rises etc. If I parked on your drive and you didn't complain, I'd park another car there, because if you don't mind......
I reckon they'll probably be really appologetic and ask permission if they have mates over again
Of course if they're not reasonable they clearly need their garage back
But seriously, most people are reasonable, most people also want as much as they can possibly get from life / other people / pay rises etc. If I parked on your drive and you didn't complain, I'd park another car there, because if you don't mind......
I reckon they'll probably be really appologetic and ask permission if they have mates over again
Of course if they're not reasonable they clearly need their garage back
A Friend of mine had a similar situation, in the end he had to see a shrink, and the line he used was:-
The person who is hated for doing this deed has no idea that you hate them and will carry on as though nothing has happened, you as the hater will end up emotionally worse off.
The moral being talk to them 1st, it may be an innocent mistake........
The person who is hated for doing this deed has no idea that you hate them and will carry on as though nothing has happened, you as the hater will end up emotionally worse off.
The moral being talk to them 1st, it may be an innocent mistake........
PAH! Object to the planning application just on principle...
Who in their right minds converts FROM a garage TO a living room, just to provide a few more square metres to fill with 3 piece suites and flowery curtains!?!
Should be a law against it
Edited to add: I say this as a person whose garage is virtually the same plan area as his bungalow (but still not big enough)
Cheers, Phil
>> Edited by filmidget on Monday 4th November 16:59
Who in their right minds converts FROM a garage TO a living room, just to provide a few more square metres to fill with 3 piece suites and flowery curtains!?!
Should be a law against it
Edited to add: I say this as a person whose garage is virtually the same plan area as his bungalow (but still not big enough)
Cheers, Phil
>> Edited by filmidget on Monday 4th November 16:59
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