'Neighbour pulled fence down to install hot tub - now I have no privacy in my garden'

A mum has become embroiled in a privacy row with her neighbour after they pulled down their fence which sits between the back gardens. The woman felt uncomfortable when the dividing barrier was removed so the neighbour could install a hot tub.

There was nothing between the two gardens for a period of three weeks, with the woman growing increasingly concerned. After a discussion, the neighbour had a 6ft fence erected which settled the mum's privacy fears.

But within a few days, the neighbour made more changes to the barrier that put the woman in a difficult position. Unsure how to react, as she didn't want to come across "aggressive" but she is concerned that her neighbour appears in their garden every time she goes out the back herself, she headed online for some advice, The Mirror reports.

Posting on Mumsnet, she said: "My neighbour took down their fence to get their hot tub in. We had no fence for 3 weeks, and our neighbour has got an extension on their property with their kitchen window on the side of the property.

"Whenever I'm in the garden, my neighbour will appear, so when the fence went back up I asked for a 6ft fence rather than a 4ft one for privacy for myself and family. It was discussed, this was no issue as long as the light was not blocked.

"They had the 6ft fence installed, [and I thought] brilliant, I have some privacy. Neighbour calls the fence people back out to reduce the fence to 4ft because they don't like it. It didn't block any light to their kitchen, just them seeing into our garden.

"Am I being unreasonable for wanting some privacy in my garden and not having the neighbour able to see me while I'm in the garden? How would you proceed? I feel if I put something on my side it will be seen as aggressive, but the neighbour appears every time we are out."

The post was flooded with comments, with many people telling the mum that her best course of action is to put up a fence on her own side of the boundary, as she'll be able to control how tall it is if she is the owner of the barrier.

One person said: "I understand where you're coming from because I really like my privacy in my garden too - but if it's their boundary, you can't dictate the height of their fence.

"However, you can do what you like on your side, so some kind of screening or trellis along the inside of the fence on your side (or even a fence of your own) is probably the way to go if you want more privacy."

Another user added: "I would just put a 6ft fence up within your own boundary if it bothers you that much. Yes, it is quite passive-aggressive, however, it's within your rights to do it. If it is spoiling your enjoyment of your garden then do what is right for you."

A third advised: "Put some screening up on your side. They can't stop you from doing what you want on your property."

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