Ferdinand

Some people just don't like hedges, or these may be - as has been hinted - taking their newly clarified (couple of years ago) responsibility to keep their dog in very seriously. (Are you sure it wasn't put up by the Council?) The definition of "Ground Level next to a building" from the General Permitted Development Order is this: " 2 - Interpretation .. 2) Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in this Order to the height of a building or of plant or machinery is to be construed as a reference to its height when measured from ground level; and for the purposes of this paragraph “ground level” means the level of the surface of the ground immediately adjacent to the building or plant or machinery in question or, where the level of the surface of the ground on which it is situated or is to be situated is not uniform, the level of the highest part of the surface of the ground adjacent to it." https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/596/made by analogy I think the 2m of permitted fence height will be taken from the highest level of natural ground next to the fence. Which either means the highest raised bed level, or the path level if the boundary is actually where the half-high wall is. As that difference in height is minimal, I don't think you will get far on that route, especially as the hedge is still taller than the fence. Whether the boundary is at the root of the hedge plants, or along the edge of their path, might be a bit more interesting. And for that you could perhaps check their or your landlord's deeds from the Land Registry to see if any boundary features are marked, or interpretation mentioned. There will historical stuff about what happened in the contract when the houses were build on what was presumably a field. I think it was correct above to remark that your LL just won't want the aggro. To the LL, that is unlikely to be enough to be more important than the neighbour relationship. Where does that leave it? The one good thing is that them having put a galumphing great fence there means that they can't easily get at the hedge to attack it any more. At least without a ladder. I honestly don't think you can gain anything from this, apart from a poisoned neighbour relationship and lots of conflict. Life's too short. If you already don't like them relax that now you can't even see them. I suggest keeping your side of the hedge carefully trimmed so it grows more bushy leaves by doing a shaping trim next spring to get light to the lower half, and keep trimming back a few inches inside the leaf surface just before the growing season and perhaps in August (watch for birds' nests) to help the leaf surface become more solid. And perhaps plant a climber or two to scramble through it, such as a traditional honeysuckle. I would also perhaps discuss this over at gardenlaw.co.uk if you want more, where they are more specialised on boundaries than we are. I am also Ferdinand over there. HTH Ferdinand

That's the rub. They may use that as a threat 'if you don't agree', but then your levers are that they will have costs and you do not know the outcome. IMO it pays to work with them, after you have established what you want and they are actually talking. But experience is not constant. Like a lot of other things, it can be a bot of a game of poker and 'who cares most', depending on all the circs. It could potentially be why you got a better deal on the plot than you might have otherwise. From accounts here, power distribution companies seem to be getting tougher in their attitude. Beyond that I do not know really - mine was back in 2012. (Aside: I do wonder if at some stage this will land as a Consumer Issue on Radio 4, as leasehold has - as it is a bit obscure and unpredictable at consumer level.) F

You need to get taken seriously. Talk to them about giving notice to move it off your land. Perhaps ask them on a query what the procedure would be, and how much notice you need to give. And ask for alternatives suggestions that they would propose to meet both your requirements. That should start it moving and get you noticed in their system. if you haven't. you also need to get to grips with Necessary Wayleaves and the rules around them.

Mine - working *with* the wayleave, was 12 months notice of intention to give notice, then 3 months notice for them to do it. But I had poles. Without the notice? No idea - but perhaps allow 1 to 2 years. Though mine was about 100m of our and back cable highish voltage routes that fed most of town, and they had to dig up about a mile of alternative routes half and half under farm tracks and the former A38 for the new route. F

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Thanks all.

Have to admit that I really object to paying for click and collect, so I normally get it via the showroom. When they are open.

Also options such as hit and miss to give wind permeability. (And it doesn't necessarily have to be a huge construction like @Onoff's - that is to keep him in.)

You need to consider whether it will count as a "Backlands" development (single property built behind the line of all the rest along the street), what the policy is on that, and how you will address it if so. F

Why don't they deliver? My local Ikea says it does deliver. What is it about your bit of Lancashire that has scared them off? Shoulda called it "Hampster Cottage".

You need to consider what happens re: refusal, Appeals and so on - if you do one you would probably need his continued advice. Also how you will handle the supply of drawings and models to other professionals.

Cheers.

Quick one. If a Private Building Controller chappie does a 1st Stage Inspection (Foundation?), is that accepted as evidence for the piece of paper (Lawful Development Certificate?) that a Planning Permission is locked in? Cheers F

Welcome. You eat something scarlet and take a pee.

Is that not in theory what BRE is supposed to have done? Perhaps what we actually need is for LABC to commission the testing. The "construction research" setup has been very ingrown for decades - eg the Partners in Innovation programme where the DTI used to require research proposals from consortia covering research organisations and industrial partners. Which means that everyone knows each other and has to wear multiple hats in different settings. That may be too integrated. Some orgs even overlapped into regulatory or semi-regulatory roles - writing standards etc.

I think there's a further big question here, as the NHBC seems to have possibly caved in to the legal threats (by my interpretation). Also from the piece: BTW Inside Housing allows regstration of free accounts that lets you see the whole article. https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/home/home/kingspan-threatened-legal-action-against-nhbc-for-raising-concerns-over-non-compliant-insulation-68732 F

Fire Sprinklers reqd in blocks of flats over 11m. Into force today. Hmmm.

I have Surestops (water offswitch like a blue light switch) in my house.

I am not sure on that. They cover all sorts of unforeseen circumstances as long as it is an insurable risk. So don't get your hopes up but investigate. eg Chancel Tax Insurance is like an indemnity policy, and lack of a FENSA cert of 2G windows can be covered. I have one where someone made a drive from a footpath without having a known right to drive over it, and it covers me against loss of value on the house if for some reason it gets blocked up in the future. OTOH I didn't go for Chancel Tax insurance as I know the church building is relatively modern and am reasonably familiar with the policies of the Diocese. OTOH it may be better to have the possibility there as an ace in the hole in case it gets mentions and you need a sticky plaster to solve the concern in case they are worried about it. F

You now have lots of multiple-choice advice, and need to decide what to do ? . Best of luck with it all. The centipede was happy quite Until the frog in fun asked "Pray, which leg goes after which?" She worked her mind to such a pitch she lay distracted in a ditch considering how to run.

You ask your solicitor.

Would an indemnity policy cover this? Did you try offering one to the previous potential purchaser. I think it would work as the risk is insurable imo.

Yep. All fine. The doors thing is nice if you can do it, but quite liveable without.

If you are going to move washing from one to the other (obv they will be capacity matched for a full wash?), then you want both doors to open to the sides not the middle. ie LH hinge on the LH machine, RH hinge on the RH machine. Otherwise you have to lean back with an armful of washing to get round the door of the one that opens to the middle. On the other point you could gain space by stacking the washer and dryer. In that case you put the washer above so you are moving wet washing downwards. The corollary would be a loss of worktop. Pros and cons.

And put something to help it move under your washer ?