Brits are being warned they could be hit with fines of up to £5,000 for some of the nation’s most irritating neighbour habits as warmer weather sees more people spending time outdoors.
From loud barking dogs to late-night garden parties and smoky fire pits, a new survey has revealed the garden behaviours most likely to spark rows between neighbours and some could even land homeowners in trouble under noise nuisance laws.
According to the poll of more than 1,000 UK adults, the biggest irritation by far is a dog barking throughout the day and night, with 55% of people saying it was their top garden pet peeve, as reported by Need To Know.
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Closely behind were regular late-night garden parties, which annoyed 54% of respondents.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, councils can issue fines of up to £5,000 for statutory noise nuisance complaints involving homes, including persistent loud music, parties or barking dogs.
Parking disputes also ranked highly, with half of Brits saying neighbours blocking their drive or garden access was one of the most infuriating things someone could do.
The research found parking rows were actually the UK’s most common neighbour feud overall, with almost one in three people admitting they had argued with neighbours over blocked access outside their home.
Other major frustrations included neighbours leaving dog mess behind, cutting plants without permission and using loud power tools early in the morning or late at night.
The survey also found regional differences across the country.
People in Liverpool were found to be around 60% more likely than the national average to be annoyed by blocked parking situations, while Glaswegians were twice as likely to argue with neighbours over being “nosey”.
Meanwhile, Geordies appeared the least confrontational but also the most likely to move house because of neighbour disputes, with more than one in 10 saying they would relocate to avoid arguments.
Despite the complaints, most Brits still prefer to settle disputes the old-fashioned way.
More than three-quarters of respondents said they would simply speak to their neighbour directly rather than report them to authorities, while 12% admitted they would rather ignore the issue completely and hope it disappears.
Mark Fletcher, Head of Brand at Buzz Bingo, said: “Now the weather is getting warmer, Brits are going to be spending more time soaking up the sun in their garden.
“It’s clear from the survey results that respondents are most annoyed by neighbours who disrupt their sleep or intrude on their space with plants or parking.”
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