Fence Issue with Neighbour and Council

LKavaguru on 13/03/2018 - 11:54
Last edited 13/03/2018 - 12:37

Hi fellow bargain hunters,

I am a new home owner and need some advice on an issue with my fence please.

My neighbour built a 1.5m fence instead of the maximum 2m and has security cameras on the side and back of the house looking into my property. The other sides of my fence are 2m and 2.5m comparatively. So I attached some bamboo fencing on the short side for privacy and to stop the cameras looking into my property but also as a garden feature. I feel invaded by the cameras and could not enjoy my outside back because of this. The bamboo fence has fixed the problem but now the neighbor has complained to the Council about the high fence. My neigbour has been problematic ever since I moved in, complaining to Council once about my grass being too long. When an inspector visited to check the length of the grass, he told me he didn't understand why a complaint was made.

The Council wrote to me asking me to explain why I put bamboo fencing and that I need a building permit for it which could cost thousands. I explained and provided photos of the cameras, and the short fence.Other houses in the area have much higher fences, about 70 percent of them in fact.

But now the Council has written back to me saying I need to remove the fence by a certain date and if I don't I will be fined under the Building Act.

I have tried to liase with the neighbour but that has not worked and I don't know what else to do.

Any advice will be much appreciated.

CORRECTION: The maximum height fence is 2m not 3m. The neighbour built a 1.5m metre fence. I've corrected above. Apologies for the error.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Herbse on 16/03/2018 - 16:37

    Can't you attach the bamboo to only raise the fence by 0.5m more? Making it within the 2m limit?

  • Lv80 on 16/03/2018 - 17:20
    -1

    I think a quiet word to your neighbour mentioning they should back off or you will return the very unwarm welcome by legally making it hard for him also.

    Would think speakers pointed directly at his house blaring within the noise and time limits endlessly might resolve the issue.

    Otherwise chat with all the neighbours surrounding him and see if they are willing to step on your side to confront said owner and tell him to back off (politely)

    • GregMonarch on 17/03/2018 - 14:41

      It's got to be something legal or at least doesn't identify him. Another option is a couple or few poles again, with some stainless cable strained between them with turnbuckles. Grow some kind of plant up and along the cable that is green all year round. If council might whine about the permanent unapproved poles, then just make more of them so each takes less weight but free-stand them on the ground as I suggested earlier. e.g. Five old car rims welded together in a circle with another in the centre that has a vertical pipe welded into it. Or large blocks of concrete that only sit on the surface, not into the ground. Or a free standing 'privacy screen' like you see on home renovation shows again with a plant.

      Or ask a plant nursery about a fast-growing tall hedge. I imagine the height limit of plants/trees is greater than a fence.

      Actually if the cameras are motion-triggered, the one I said before about lightweight cloth would be great. He doesn't need a lot of weight to string it up, doesn't require council approval, and is easily adjusted for the best privacy. And because Mr Pervy's software probably only records with movement, the wind will constantly move lightweight cloth. So not only will he not see through the cloth, but he'll also have hours of video to sift through instead of minutes.

      • Lv80 on 18/03/2018 - 19:17

        Think some tall quick growing plants. His backyard shouldn't look horrible to get some privacy. A natural solution is always the best. We have some huge conifers all the way across our back fence line. Not much neighbours can do or say to that.

        • SnoozeAndLose on 18/03/2018 - 19:19

          Beware tree root issue before you plant

  • Lv80 on 16/03/2018 - 17:23

    Alternatively put in some conifers or another alternate tree. If possible right against the boundary. https://www.homestolove.com.au/five-fast-growing-screening-p…

  • khomeini on 16/03/2018 - 21:20

    Do you find that drinking kava makes your tounge numb and skin dry? Time for a lovo.

    And I think you may be mistaken, he's the caring neighbourly (Mr Wilson) type who's just looking out for the neighborhood by keeping watch of strangers & potential burglars. (You getting changed in your room/kitchen/laundry are just collateral damage.

    Be alert but not alarmed.

  • GregMonarch on 17/03/2018 - 15:04

    Make this. And order one of those cheap banners with your huge smiling face (or middle finger) printed on it. ;-p

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKhbUjVyKIc

  • whooah1979 on 25/04/2018 - 08:44

    op, do you have an update?

  • iand on 25/04/2018 - 12:29

    Juniper 'Skyrocket' grows to about 1m wide x 5m high fairly fast growing

  • [Deactivated] on 25/04/2018 - 21:58

    Why was the fence only 1.5m high. Neighbours pay split the cost of putting up the fence so you should have been consulted before the low fence was put up.

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