PEEPING TOM
I love sunbathing naked in the garden but my neighbour has started peeking – we’ve got to get privacy shades to stop him
Other people argued she shouldn't be sunbathing naked anyway
A WOMAN who loves sunbathing in her garden naked has been forced to splash out on privacy shades to stop her "creep" of a neighbour from peeking.
The situation was explained on the Neighbours from Hell thread on Reddit, as a man said that his wife had "never had any issues" with tanning nude until recently.
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"Suddenly one day my neighbour looked over the fence and started a conversation," he wrote.
"We all brushed it off because I thought he accidentally peeked and didn’t know how to react."
However, then the wife told her husband that he'd been "regularly greeting her starting to start a conversation while she’s tanning".
"This can’t a legal right?
"I get he’s just briefly greeting but he’s still clearly looking, and I mean come on, why would he think it’s ok to do that s**t?"
As well as that, they believe he's "standing on his toes or using something to be able to peek over the fence" which he "otherwise wouldn't be able to see".
Now they've had to take measures to stop the peeking.
"I’ve ordered privacy shades that will be here in a few weeks but until then my wife’s been trying to ignore him," he continued.
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"Even though we’re getting shades I’m worried now he will try to find a way."
People were divided as to who was to blame in the situation, with some suggesting the woman should cover up - despite being in her own garden.
I was so mad after my neighbour painted my fence that I covered it in graffiti
"Remember anywhere outside unless you're in a remote area even then, there's a chance of someone seeing you," one wrote.
"I'd rather have tan lines than take that risk or you could get a spray tan."
"I’d HATE living next to you," another said.
"If you’re so hell bent on the two of you tanning nude, build some type of gazebo that has a wall to his property but still has sunshine.
"But I can guarantee you your neighbors on the other side despise this habit as well."
"Creep but you’re also butt ass naked in your back yard someone is catching a glimpse," a third commented.
Gardening mistakes that could get you fined
Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking.
While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues.
Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research.
The gardening experts reveal: “If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. "
While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it.
“But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn.
The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO.
You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer.
Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing.
To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries
“Most of the time, it’s easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side," they add.
“Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance.
"Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.
"Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn’t have a problem.”
Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade.
But if it obstructs your neighbour's view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures.
“If you’re not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you’re planning and, if there’s an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance," advise the gardening experts.
Overhanging branches and plants: “When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour's tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance," reveal the pros.
However, it's important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing.
You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don't have permission to enter your neighbours garden.
"Wouldn’t be surprised if he has a camera situated somewhere."
"You have neighbours," someone else stated.
"Neighbours can see into your yard. That's how neighbourhoods work.
"If you don’t like your wife sunbathing naked, just tell her that!"
The man then replied: "I have suggested this to her but she doesn’t want to have to stop because of a bad neighbour.
"She’s trying to change up her schedule to make sure to avoid him."
But others were on the husband's side, with one writing: "This is so gross….. your wife should prob stop tanning nude until this is solved because this is creepy and gross."
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"I'm on your side," another insisted.
"If the only way he can see your wife is by climbing up to look over a fence and he keeps doing it then he is in the wrong."