Hi guys,

I’m wondering whether you can help me please?? We moved into a property a couple of years ago unaware that we have several boiler flues running down the left hand side of our garden (which is the rear of 7 mews houses). Gas safe have said they can’t enforce anything but it’s against Gas Safe Board reg BS5440.1. I don’t suppose anyone has a copy of this policy please? Environmental Health came out but said because none of the boiler flues are situated within 60cm of our windows / doors they can’t do anything about it but as I understand, it’s against building regulations document J as they are on the boundary line too but building control have said they can’t help.

Many thanks
Lydia

Technically my oil tank breaches the Building Regs due to its proximity to the boundary but the BCO allowed it.

Have you looked at your and their title deeds to see if the neighbours are allowed to run services or similar over your property? You can get these quite cheaply by email from the land registry web site.

https://eservices.landregistry.gov.uk/

Sometimes there will be an easement in there allowing them to run pipes or services across your property. This would have been agreed with a previous owner. If there isn't then I believe you might be able to get them removed or use the fact as leverage to get a different routing.

However don't just go taking them down. You should probably take legal advice on what you need to do to get the neighbours to remove them. Bear in mind they may have no option but to run then across your property. In which case expect a legal battle.