Homeowners warned to avoid simple garden mistakes this weekend or face big fines
September is a crucial time for those with green fingers, as the season transitions into autumn and the harvest period commences. However, property gurus have issued a warning that common gardening blunders could lead to hefty fines, pinpointing seven costly mistakes that might set you back a staggering £27,000 in total.
Georgina Read, of Paving Superstore, has highlighted seven essential points to consider, particularly when it comes to fences. Ms Read said: "When installing a new fence, it's customary for homeowners to present the 'good side' to their neighbours," and noted, "while this is more about maintaining good relations, failing to follow your local boundary regulations can lead to disputes."
She warned that if a neighbour raises an issue over a fence that exceeds the two-metre height restriction, council intervention could ensue, potentially resulting in fines, reports the Express. Before you go snipping away at your garden foliage, make sure you're not dealing with any protected trees.
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Unauthorised pruning of trees under a Tree Protection Order could hit your wallet hard, with penalties reaching up to £20,000. Garden enthusiasts are also cautioned against feeding wildlife carelessly, as luring pests with food can attract a fine of up to £5,000.
"Homeowners need to manage wildlife feeding responsibly to avoid attracting unwanted visitors," Ms Read advised, "While feeding birds is generally encouraged, attracting pests like rats can lead to an abatement notice."
Hedges might provide the perfect border for your garden and a spot of privacy, yet let them overgrow and you could face fines up to £1,000. This comes into play if the neighbours complain under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act due to overly tall hedges.
You'll need planning permission too, especially for things like decking in your garden. "Many people don't realise that you need planning permission if your decking is more than 30cm high or covers over half your garden," said Ms Read.
Breach these regulations and the council could serve an enforcement notice under Section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Fail to adhere to this and it's possible to face prosecution and unlimited fines making the potential cost massive, depending on your situation.
Ms Read's top tip? Double-check with your local planning office before commencing any big garden projects to dodge any issues later on. Taking up paving projects larger than five square metres? You guessed it that'll require permission too.
The advice from experts is clear: always get the green light from local planning authorities before embarking on substantial garden changes. It ensures you can finish your outdoor endeavour without the undue hassle later on.
"Staying informed is key to enjoying your outdoor space without the stress of legal repercussions," Ms Read emphasised.