Many of us live shoulder-to-shoulder – or fence-to-fence – with our neighbours, which can make it feel difficult to feel truly alone when spending time in the garden. Privacy screens offer a simple and effective way to make an outdoor space feel less exposed, but aren't necessarily a solution for everyone.
Compared with a hedge, which can require considerable upkeep, or costly new fencing, outdoor screens are usually easy to install and remove, making them a budget-friendly, low-commitment and instant way to create a little more privacy. However, where properties adjoin, questions around planning rules, legal restrictions and ownership can complicate matters.
If you've ever wondered whether a neighbour could prevent you from installing a privacy screen, the short answer is: yes.
Why your neighbour could stop you installing a privacy screen
'A neighbour could potentially stop you from erecting privacy screening between your residential properties if there are legal restrictions that apply to the property, such as restrictive covenants or planning regulations,' says Janet Lane, a property law expert at Norwich-based solicitors Rogers and Norton.
Restrictive covenants are legally binding conditions written into a property's title deeds that limit what you can do with the land or building you own. They could prevent you from building an extension or putting up smaller structures like a fence, wall or privacy screen.
These clauses can exist to protect property values or preserve the character of an area, but they may also protect neighbours by 'preventing the erection of any form of structure that might interfere with the enjoyment of neighbouring properties.'
'Planning regulations can have an impact on whether privacy screening can be erected both in relation to the specific property and the locality,' Janet adds.
Even if no restrictive covenants are preventing you from installing a screen, however, you could still face a neighbourly complaint if it causes a private nuisance, for example, if it is 'visually intrusive' or blocks light reaching their house or garden. Whether or not privacy screens become a problem can therefore also depend on the size, position and impact zone.
What to do if a neighbour complains about your privacy screen
Before installing a screen, it's important to check that you're legally entitled to do so. But what happens if you're covered all the legal bases, and your neighbour still objects? The first thing to do is understand where their frustration is coming from.
'Most disputes between neighbours arise because of a surprise element,' says property law expert Benjamin Carver from John Fowlers. 'When a neighbour has returned home to suddenly see an installation in place, this can be seen as aggressive.'
As with most neighbour disputes, an open conversation is often the best way to start. 'Normally the best way to approach the situation after having covered your bases of legal, planning and other matters is to meet with your neighbour and explain what you are intending,' says Benjamin.
'You may not be in a position that you "need" their consent, but if you have had the opportunity to discuss your plans, and potentially taken on board any comments they have, you are far more likely to have a harmonious outcome.'
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