Summer is a time for enjoying your garden, but it can also be a source of neighbourly conflict. From shed heights to overhanging branches, there are several unusual laws that homeowners may unknowingly break. Here are six key legal points to keep in mind.
If you plan to install a shed, it won't need planning permission as long as it isn't used as a separate dwelling. However, garden shed specialists Waltons warn that any structure within two metres of a boundary must not exceed 2.5 metres in height.
Privacy is another area of concern. Outdoor security cameras should only capture your own garden or public space, and activities like smoky barbecues or noisy parties could be deemed a nuisance. Even children bouncing on a trampoline can create a privacy issue if they can see into your garden; if this happens, your local authority may be able to help.
When it comes to plants, you are responsible for any dangerous branches that overhang into a neighbour's property. If they cause damage, you may have to foot the repair bill. Tenants should check their lease to see if they are liable for damage caused by dangerous trees.
You may also have rights regarding light. If a tree blocks light that your windows have enjoyed for 20 years or more, you can ask for it to be pruned or removed. However, check for tree preservation orders first. You are allowed to trim overhanging branches up to the boundary line, but the cuttings belong to your neighbour. Similarly, any fruit dangling over the fence from a neighbour's tree is theirs, not yours.
