Neighbour disputes can take a variety of forms for example :

Noise

Disputes over a boundary or fence

Parking

Trees right to light issues

Breach of Planning regulations

Any of these issues can cause stress and tension which can lead to  unpleasant incidents between neighbours which might involve the police getting involved.

It is important to keep a diary of events that might be helpful in the future if it is necessary to take matters further. It is important to take advice at an early stage before matters escalate out of control . It might be necessary to instruct a solicitor or boundary surveyor to clarify the issues and to try to resolve matters amicably .

Litigation might be necessary although it can be an expensive and stressful process .  A  decision to issue Court proceedings should not be taken lightly. Litigation is easy to get into and expensive to get out of. However, mediation is also an option that is worth considering . It is quicker and cheaper than lengthy Court proceedings and reaching a practical settlement might be a sensible solution .

It is also important to remember that when your  property is being sold in the future it will be necessary to disclose any dispute with neighbours on the Property Information Questionnaire . A dispute could therefore hinder a future sale or lead to a reduction of price .

It is also possible that you might have purchased a property in good faith and a neighbour dispute was not disclosed by the seller . You might have a cause of action against the seller for failure to disclose the dispute .

If you would like any further information please contact Graham Young on 01483 796002 or by email on gyoung@cheyneygoulding.co.uk