garage width

[opps]

Hi all

A neighbour has asked for advice regarding a new garage that her neighbours are building at the end of their own garden.

Some time back her neighbours replaced the fence between the two properties. Given that her neighbours' existing garage was close to the boundary, they "stole" a couple of inches from her land. At the time she wasn't particularly bothered.

Now they want to build a full width garage (ie 5m rather than 3.8m). The properties are terraced houses, approx 5m wide. She is annoyed that they: a) want to build to the line defined by their encroaching fence and b) want to have a roof overhang that extends even further in to her garden.

She is unable to contact the local council- the line is constantly busy. Any suggestions as to how she should proceed?

Many thanks.

Edit--------- i don't know her neighbours but the fact that they are blocking the communal drive at the back of our properties with their skip speaks volumes.

 

[chris1982]

I don't know much about any of this, but I believe if they 'steal' any of the neighbouring land, it legally becomes theirs after 10 years if no objects in the meantime. I guess this means that if they haven't stolen that land more than 10 years ago, it still hers and she should be able to prevent them from building anything on it, if not even force them to tear down what is there at the moment.

I am sure others will know more.

 

[^woody^]

If it's a boundary dispute, then she should contact a solicitor not the council.

 

[^woody^]

I don't know much about any of this, but I believe if they 'steal' any of the neighbouring land, it legally becomes theirs after 10 years if no objects in the meantime. I guess this means that if they haven't stolen that land more than 10 years ago, it still hers and she should be able to prevent them from building anything on it, if not even force them to tear down what is there at the moment.

I am sure others will know more.

You're thinking of adverse possession, which was 12 years not 10, but was effectively ended in 2002, by a change ln the law preventing automatic acquisition of title to land.

Nowadays, the potential possessor has to apply for the title of the land, at which time the registered owner is contacted and can contest the claim.

 

[chris1982]

Oh right.

 

[opps]

If it's a boundary dispute, then she should contact a solicitor not the council.

Thanks.

And I see that building regs probably aren't required either.

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/43/outbuildings/2

BTW, the above link says that the building needs to be "constructed substantially of non-combustible materials". How do they define substantial? Would thermalite walls and a plywood roof suffice?