Boundary fence dispute – neighbour now demanding reinstatement of picket fence we partially removed. Where do we stand? [England]
Hi, I’m exhausted. I need some help. Have trimmed this down as my first post was too long.
Background
Neighbour approached us in May 2025 about fencing works along the shared boundary. He wanted to use existing fence posts and suggested we contribute to costs. We declined – the posts appeared to sit on our land and we wanted to retain control, particularly as we’re preparing to sell. He subsequently acknowledged in writing that the posts appeared to be on our property, though he claimed the attached picket fencing was his. He suggested leaving things as-is and proceeding with his own works separately.
He then carried out substantial works on his side: raised beds, raised ground levels, and a new Venetian-style fence installed in front of the old picket fence. The rear face of that fence, plus black weed membrane, now faces our property – effectively a 10-metre black wall from our side. The original picket fence became largely redundant as a result.
The removal
On 5 April 2026, a small section of deteriorated picket fencing was removed during shed installation. The section had protruding rusty nails – I’d already injured myself on them. The neighbour appeared to be away; we attempted to raise it face to face but couldn’t. No objection was raised. The gap remained for almost two months. Pickets have been kept in storage.
On 31 May 2026 – nearly eight weeks later – he messaged demanding reinstatement and that we “rectify damage to his property.”
Where things stand
We have a contractor booked to replace the fence posts (the ones he acknowledged appear to be on our land). Works will remain entirely within our boundary, at which point the picket fence is redundant regardless.
Questions
1. How much legal weight does his written admission carry that the posts appear to be on our land?
2. If the posts are ours, can we replace them even if he claims ownership of attached fencing?
3. Is the nearly eight-week delay before complaining legally relevant?
4. Should we get a property solicitor involved before works proceed, or proceed and only escalate if needed?
Additional context
In mid-May, when I asked him to recall his dog from our driveway, he responded by calling me a b*llend, a c*nt, told me to f*ck off, and said everybody thinks I’m a knob. The exchange was captured on camera and includes him beckoning me to a secluded area of the property while holding a saw and a branch. This is relevant context for the relationship and has been distressing for our children.
We have all written exchanges and photographs throughout, including of the neighbour’s subsequent boundary works.
Any guidance would be gratefully received.