Neighbours Locked in Bitter Dispute Over Ten-Foot Hedge Blocking Park View
A long-standing property conflict in Bolton triggers council investigation and police involvement.
1Escalating Residential Conflict
Phil Lamey and Richard Grundy have been embroiled in a bitter five-year dispute over a property boundary in Over Hulton, Bolton. The conflict centers on a ten-foot evergreen hedge that Lamey claims deliberately obstructs his view of the Grade 2 listed Hulton Park, which he previously enjoyed from his garden.
2History of Planning Violations
The tension began when Grundy erected wooden fence panels and a shed on a fishing pond plot without proper authorization. In November 2022, the Planning Inspectorate ruled these structures inappropriate, forcing Grundy to dismantle them. Lamey argues that the subsequent hedge planting is a continued effort to obscure his scenic view.
3Conflicting Property Motivations
Grundy maintains that the hedge is necessary to ensure privacy, citing concerns over cameras in Lamey's garden. He intends to allow the greenery to reach fifteen feet in height. Conversely, Lamey asserts that the hedge constitutes a nuisance, requesting that the council mandate a height reduction to six feet for fairness.
4Police and Council Involvement
Greater Manchester Police have been called to the scene twice during the ongoing feud. Reports include allegations of harassment and criminal damage, specifically claims that Lamey poisoned ten of the hedge plants. No formal charges were pressed following police investigations, leaving the matter to be resolved through local government administrative channels.
5Formal High Hedge Investigation
Bolton Council has officially initiated a High Hedge Investigation following a formal complaint filed by Lamey. Robert Hickey, the council’s Tree and Woodland Manager, notified Grundy of the review last September. Officials are now assessing whether the hedge height violates local anti-social legislation and if intervention is required to resolve the dispute.
6Legal and Regulatory Context
The case highlights the complexities of UK property law regarding boundary privacy versus the right to a view. While Grundy claims council planning teams previously suggested a hedge as a compliant alternative to fencing, the current investigation will determine if the specific growth height constitutes an unreasonable interference with the neighbor's property enjoyment.
7Impact on Local Residents
The dispute has significantly affected the daily lives of both families, with Lamey describing the situation as a siege and Grundy expressing frustration over the prolonged ordeal. The ongoing friction illustrates how personal property disagreements can escalate into multi-year legal battles, requiring significant time and resources from local municipal authorities to mediate.
8Future Resolution Prospects
The outcome of the council’s investigation remains pending, with potential for a mandatory height reduction order. Both parties remain entrenched in their positions, with Grundy determined to maintain his privacy and Lamey seeking to restore his access to the parkland view. The council's decision will serve as a precedent for this specific boundary.