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Can My Neighbour Stop Me Putting Up Scaffolding?

Are you planning home repairs that need scaffolding? Worried your neighbour might stop you from putting it up, potentially delaying your project? In this article, we explain when you need your neighbour’s permission to install scaffolding, especially if it affects their property. So, can a neighbour refuse access for scaffolding?

No, your neighbour cannot stop you from putting up scaffolding as long as it stays within the boundaries of your property.

However, a neighbour can refuse access for scaffolding if you need to place it on their property.

Keep reading to understand your rights and your neighbour’s rights when it comes to scaffolding.

Can a Neighbour Stop Me From Using Scaffolding?

Your neighbour cannot stop you from erecting scaffolding on your own property. However, sometimes you’ll need to cross onto their land to set up the scaffolding. If you get along well, asking for permission shouldn’t be an issue.

Situations where you might need to access a neighbour’s land include:

  • Complex repair or maintenance work
  • Large-scale repairs
  • Location of the work requiring scaffolding near or over boundaries

In these cases, your neighbour can refuse access. They can also object if the scaffolding significantly impacts their daily life. But what happens if your neighbour denies access?

Scaffolding around a large house for roof renewal services

Can a Neighbour Refuse Access for Scaffolding?

If your scaffolding needs to touch or go onto your neighbour’s property, you must ask for permission. If they refuse but the work is essential (like fixing blocked drains), your legal options are:

What is a Scaffolding Access Order?

An Access Order lets you legally enter your neighbour’s property to carry out necessary repairs without trespassing. This applies mainly to essential maintenance work.

Remember, accessing your neighbour’s land without permission is trespassing and can lead to legal consequences.

A Party Wall Agreement is needed if scaffolding affects a shared wall (common in terraced or semi-detached houses). This agreement must be arranged before starting work.

When Can Scaffolding Access Be Denied?

Your neighbour or the court might refuse access if:

  • The work is just an enhancement (e.g., building a conservatory for leisure). Courts favour access for necessary repairs, not improvements.
  • The neighbour would suffer significant disruption or interference from the scaffolding.

What Are My Scaffolding Rights?

You have the right to put up scaffolding on your property for essential repairs like fixing a leaking roof.

While scaffolding rules must always be followed, most of the time simply asking your neighbour for access is enough to get started.

Erect Your Scaffolding with Hi-Point Access

Hi-Point Access is Sheffield’s trusted scaffolding company, providing traditional, aluminium, and indoor scaffolding solutions. No job is too complex for our expert team.

Contact us today for a free scaffolding quote tailored to your property needs.

 

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Can a Neighbour Refuse Access For Scaffolding FAQs

Can I Charge for Scaffolding on My Property?

If you draft an agreement that both parties sign and agree to, then you may charge neighbours for putting scaffolding on land you own. However, before doing so you should consider approaching a legal professional to help ensure that your contract is sound and that it does not cause more damage than it creates protection.

You may also want to consider your relationship with and reputation amongst your neighbours, as creating monetary contracts can fracture valuable relationships quickly. Instead of charging, you may want to seek a Party Wall agreement.

What is a Party Wall?

A ‘Party Wall’ is a shared property boundary, standing on the land of two or more owners that either:

  • Forms part of a building
  • Does not form part of a building, such as a garden wall

‘Party Structures’ are the same, but with the purpose of separating buildings or parts of buildings, such as the floors and walls of flats.

A party wall agreement is different from planning permission or building regulations approval, it is a formal acknowledgement and agreement made between owners of neighbouring properties.

Can I Refuse My Neighbour Access to My Property?

Yes, you can refuse your neighbours access to your property, even if they just need to pass through to set up scaffolding on their own property.

If your neighbour needs access to your property for essential work—such as drain unblocking work—then they can apply for an Access Order from the court.

What Can I Do If My Neighbour Refuses Access for Scaffolding?

If your neighbour refuses access for scaffolding, you have a few options:

  • Reapproach them with adjusted scaffolding plans
  • Seek mediation from local authorities or legal representatives
  • Apply for an Access Order

Going through the courts costs time and money, so consider if the issue can be resolved another way first.

What Work on My Home Do I Need To Tell My Neighbour About?

You need to tell your neighbour about upcoming work plans involving:

  • Building on the boundary between your properties
  • Working on an existing Party Wall or Structure
  • Digging below or near to the foundation of their property

Otherwise, you are not required to tell your neighbours about upcoming work, though it would still be polite to do so, especially if you anticipate the work creating noise and disruption.

What Roof Access Services Does Hi-Point Offer?

Hi-Point Access offers a suite of roof access services for residential and commercial projects, as well as roof work services. Hi-Point’s roof access services include:

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