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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Millie Bull & Sophie Law

Experts warn neighbours could be fined £5,000 for ignoring garden complaint

Arguing with your neighbours over loud noises, dumped rubbish or cars blocking your driveway can become incredibly stressful.

While these issues can often be resolved by having a civil and polite conversation, sometimes these chats can escalate to become rude, aggressive and spark further issues.

If this rings a bell, fear not. Neighbours who are not willing to cooperate could actually be in breach of the law.

That's according to experts at BPP University Law School who state that you have a number of rights in UK law to protect you if neighbours refuse to listen to your complaints, the Express reports.

Experts have explained exactly what to do if your neighbours are causing problems.

Your rights if your neighbours are causing issues

Noise is the largest nuisance problem with neighbours. It is defined as an unwanted sound that, when it reaches certain levels and intensities, can be annoying and adversely impact people's mental or physical health. A nuisance can be anything that has an adverse impact on a person's ability to enjoy their home or other premises.

Under UK law, noise levels must be kept to a minimum during the hours of 11pm and 7am. This means that if your neighbours are playing loud music, or singing, partying, shouting, and banging, you may be able to make a formal complaint if the noise is consistent.

The majority of legislation and guidance regarding noise pollution is issued by the UK Government. However, local authorities in Scotland are responsible for controlling and dealing with complaints about noise, according to the Scottish Government.

To make a formal complaint, you can contact your local council. They are required to investigate noise complaints that count as 'statutory nuisance' under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Back garden bonfires are not only smelly and can stop you from fully being able to enjoy your garden - they could also land your neighbour with a £5,000 fine.

If you have a neighbour with a penchant for bonfires, the experts suggest: "First, try contacting your local authority, who can get in touch with them and serve them an abatement notice. If they ignore this they can be fined up to £5,000.

"If they continue to cause problems through back garden bonfires, you can take further legal action."

And if your neighbour has fly tipped onto your property, did you know it's actually your responsibility to get rid of the rubbish?

Fly-tipping comes under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which is classed as a criminal offence, and it could result in a fine.

If you contact the Environmental Agency, you can ask them whether they would help dispose of the waste, and once it has been disposed of, homeowners should keep the receipts of anything they have had to pay for in relation to the dumped waste so they can get their money back if the neighbour is prosecuted.

If your neighbour is making a nuisance of themselves by parking across your driveway, or on your property, again, you can contact the council.

The experts said: "When this doesn't work you may be able to pursue a civil case in court as parking on private land without consent can count as trespassing."

Similarly, if your neighbour is purposefully going beyond their land boundaries and you can't reach an amicable solution with them, it may be best to get in touch with a property disputes solicitor.

A solicitor will be able to review the deeds to your property to see whether the neighbour has encroached onto your space, and they may suggest a mediator help you and your neighbour.

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