Disputes between neighbours can be difficult to deal with. They can often be fuelled with emotions and based on staunch principles. One of the key things to remember is that you have to continue to live next door to your neighbour, so if you are able to maintain an amicable relationship it will make disputes much easier to tackle. Settlement discussions are a prime example of how to do this. Not only will an out of court settlement result in both parties agreeing to a resolution, rather than one being imposed on the parties, but it could also help avoid unnecessarily high legal fees.
Neighbour disputes can arise in many forms:
- Trespass: if a neighbour or a neighbour’s property is entering your land without permission, for example, overhanging trees or hedges.
- Nuisance: if a neighbour is doing something which affects your quiet enjoyment of your property, for example, excessive noise or anti-social behaviour.
- Right of way disputes: if your neighbour is disputing a right of way or blocking all or part of your right of way, for example, by building over land which you have a right of way over.
- Boundary disputes: if you or your neighbour cannot agree about where a boundary should be, or there is a dispute as to ownership of land, for example, when a fence or hedge is placed on the incorrect boundary line.
We can assist with attempting to reach a settlement with your neighbour before court action is commenced. We will assess your case and advise on the best way forward for your particular dispute, whether that involves written settlement discussions, a round table meeting or something slightly more formal like mediation. If court proceedings are necessary, then our litigation team can assist with bringing or defending your claim.
If you would like advice on a neighbour dispute then please contact Lucy Penfold in our dispute resolution team on 01483 887766, email info@hartbrown.co.uk or start a live chat today.
*This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.
