A LARGE shed next door may spoil your view in the garden or even cause damage to your property.
We reveal your rights.
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Many households will be heading outside to enjoy their gardens as the mini-heatwave hits the UK in the coming days.
But you could have your viewed spoiled by next door’s shed.
One homeowner is seeking advice online after claiming that their neighbour has raised their garden and built a shed that now ruins the view.
So what are your rights in this situation?
There are planning rules when it comes to building a shed in your garden so a homeowner could check the size of next door’s structure.
GardenBuildingsDirect highlights rules that state a shed must not exceed exceed 4metres in height for a dual pitched roof or 3metres with any other type of roof.
The height is limited to 2.5metres if the shed is built under metres from a property boundary.
Anything higher may require planning permission.
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So you could get a tape measure out if you are concerned that a neighbour’s shed breaches planning rules or get your local council to check.
Legal experts claim that a homeowner could make a nuisance claim if a shed is built too close to a fence.
Commenting on a similar shed dispute for The Sun, Angela Gregson, partner at Royds Withy King, said: “If the impact of the shed is that water now falls onto the garden and this causes damage, there is likely to be a claim in nuisance.
“It is the responsibility of the shed owner to make sure rain drains onto his own land.”
Other lawyers highlight that a homeowner installing a larger shed or building in their garden may face a “right to light” objection.
Kingsley Smith Solicitors said: “If you are considering building a new property, extension, shed or garden wall, you must be careful not to impact your neighbour’s right to light.
“We recommend seeking legal advice before starting work. If the planned work is judged to affect your neighbour’s right to light, you could encounter loss of light planning objections.
“These can be costly and cause unnecessary delays to a project.”
Raising a “right to light” complain may involve going to court and there would be legal fees to pay.
The zero cost option is to talk to your neighbour and see if you can come to an agreement.
Alternatively, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors offers a boundary mediation service, and neighbours can access 30 minutes of free advice from a chartered surveyor.
Sheds are just one form of neighbour dispute.
We explain whether you are eligible for compensation if your neighbour’s “for sale” sign broke your fence.
Garden plants can also cause conflicts, we round up your legal rights if your neighbour’s hedge is taking over your garden.
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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
