Trouble with new neighbours
We bought our house in January this year. We had no problems with the surveyors report and all went smoothly. Our solicitor reported no issues with the property.
Since moving in, we have discovered that our neighbours had erected a shed directly against our outer wall, covering a downstairs window entirely. They also have a greenhouse up against the same wall. We have no access along this back section of our property, as there is a fence between the neighbours and ourselves.
As a result, we cannot maintain the wall, the roof, the window that has been blocked by the shed or the upstairs window above it (even if we had access, we couldn't prop a ladder up as their shed and greenhouse are in the way!) .
I am trying to find out whether there is a legal space that we should have around the outside of our house- even of maybe only a meter wide - to allow us to maintain our property? Or should we be entitled to a right of way?
Also- should our solicitor have picked up on this problem when compiling his report?
I am unsure who I should approach about this- but it seems the fault lies with our solicitor in the first instance for not having flagged up the problem. Naturally we feel that this issue could dramatically affect the value of our property, and we are worried that we have paid over the odds for it under the circumstances.
In any event what is the window used for? Is it part of your day to day living accommodation?
My feeling is that you should tackle the owners about it directly and if you get nowhere, after a polite letter, then try the local planning office to see if you have any right to light that is being lost by your neighbours actions. Particularly if you lose little time in raising these issues.
Back to Legal»