What can I do if my Neighbours trees are blocking my light?

Neighbour's tree blocking light into my garden – what can I do? Talk to your neighbour. It's good to talk. ... Check whether trees are protected. ... Respect your neighbour's boundary. ... Right of Light Act.

hoa.org.uk - Neighbour's Tree Blocking Light Into Garden - HomeOwners Alliance

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Neighbour’s tree blocking light into my garden – what can I do?

Overgrown trees can cause friction between neighbours, particularly when it impacts on light into your garden. We look at the steps you can take if you find that a neighbour's tree is blocking light into your garden because of overhanging branches. What can you do if overhanging branches from your neighbour’s tree is blocking light into your garden? Who is responsible for maintaining the trees and what are your rights? Is it ok to chop down the overhanging branches? And, what’s the best way to discuss the issue with your neighbour? We look at the steps to take to understand what you can and cannot do about your neighbour’s tree blocking light into your garden and how best to broach the issue with your neighbour.

Talk to your neighbour

It’s good to talk. So the starting point to handling the issue of your neighbour’s tree overhanging and blocking light into your garden is to talk to your neighbour. Keep things civil and give your neighbour time to reflect on what you propose doing. In advance of that conversation, you need to check whether the trees are protected by a preservation order or if there are any restrictions on the tree if you live in a conservation area.

Check whether trees are protected

First of all, check whether there is a tree preservation order protecting your neighbour’s tree and/or whether it stands in a conservation area. You can do this by phoning your local council and asking them to check on the local map of your area. You can discuss with them the implications of any planning restrictions on the tree. If there isn’t an order or restrictions on the tree, you do have a right under common law to cut back overhanging trees that are encroaching upon your property provided that you do not go over the boundary between your neighbour’s land and your own. We would recommend getting agreement from your neighbour for this work to avoid any ill feeling or claims of damage.

Respect your neighbour’s boundary

You will need to be very careful that you do not cause damage to your neighbour’s tree when cutting it back as this could leave you open to liability claims from your neighbour. Do not go beyond your boundary. You may want a local tree specialist to undertake the work. As the tree belongs to the land on which it originally grew, you will need to ask your neighbour if they want any of the trimmings back. Return any branches to them or agree beforehand to dispose of them yourself.

Right of Light Act

If your neighbour’s tree is blocking light to a window or glass house on your property, then you might be able to acquire a Right to Light under Planning law. The Rights of Light Act 1959 states that if a property has received daylight for the last 20 years (the minimum prescribed period), you may be entitled to continue to receive that light. Your local planning department can advise on your rights.

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birkdalesales.com - Which Side Of The Fence Is Mine? Exploring Your Boundaries - Birkdale

Perhaps you’ve noticed some damage or rotting to one side of your fence, or maybe it’s suffered against strong winds and blown down overnight. Either way, you’ll want to get it sorted as soon as possible to ensure your property stays protected. But is it your responsibility to arrange and pay for the maintenance? Or does the fence fall on your neighbour’s head? (Not literally – that would hurt). Garden fence responsibility can often be a subject of dispute between neighbours, especially when it comes to knowing where you stand legally. Our first piece of advice would be to talk over any issues with your neighbour calmly, and resolve it between you. However, if they don’t seem interested, it’s always good to know who is legally responsible. In this article, we explore ways to determine which side of the fence is yours to help resolve any issues that may rise with your neighbour.

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