“An Englishman’s home is his castle”

We are all familiar with the expression that ‘an Englishman’s home is his castle’.  But can a property owner really do what they like with their property?

In this reported case, a young couple built a “massive” veranda on the rear of their property which is said to have been situated “right up against the boundary”.  The neighbours’ reaction was to move out.

Whilst this is reported as a “bizarre conclusion”, it should act as a salutory lesson.  In the planning stages of building works, homeowners should always consider communicating their intentions with their neighbours in an attempt to prevent any conflict which may arise.

If the building works are likely to be of a long duration or require noisy ground works to be carried out, this may present a nuisance to the neighbouring parties.  If the building works are intended to exist on a boundary which exists with a neighbouring or adjoining property, a Party Wall Agreement may need to be considered.

Neighbours get so angry with couple's makeshift back garden veranda that they move out without saying a word