In The Press
Duncan Lewis Housing Director Advises Featured on Boundary Dispute by Mail Online (15 September 2025)
Date: 15/09/2025
Our housing director, Manjinder Kaur Atwal, has once again featured in the Mail online, this time advising a reader on a tricky neighbour dispute involving an extension and obstructed windows.
The reader explained that after building a lawful extension with windows facing a neighbour’s garden, their neighbour began deliberately directing climbing plants to grow over and block those windows.
Manjinder noted that while such disputes can feel personal, the law focuses on property rights and protecting individuals from “substantial and unreasonable interference” with the enjoyment of their home.
“Since you hold a certificate of lawful development, your extension and windows are legally permitted. However, deliberately encouraging plants to obstruct your windows, particularly after you have begun or completed a lawful construction, may constitute a nuisance,” Manjinder explained.
She advises starting with a courteous written approach, asking the neighbour to trim or manage the plants. Keeping a record of communications is vital should the matter escalate.
If informal efforts fail, options include:
- Mediation – often resolving issues quickly while preserving neighbourly relations.
- Formal solicitor’s notice – a legal letter can encourage compliance.
- Court action – as a last resort, an injunction or order requiring the plants to be cut back.
Manjinder stressed that while the law does not guarantee full sunlight, the courts will step in where obstruction is unreasonable and significantly affects the property’s enjoyment. Documenting the impact with photos and notes can strengthen a case.
Ultimately, she highlighted that early, calm action and open communication usually prevent minor neighbour disagreements from spiralling into costly legal battles.
Read Manjinder’s full advice in This is Money here:
About Manjinder
Manjinder Kaur Atwal is ranked by the Chambers & Partners for her expertise across a wide range of social housing matters, including interim relief and homelessness applications. She heads a Housing Team ranked Tier 1 by The Legal 500 for its "excellent knowledge of the law" and "extensive experience". The department is recognised as a market-leader in all areas of social housing and property litigation including disrepair, unlawful evictions, homelessness, possession disputes, and complex judicial review matters.
Contact Manjinder via email at ManjinderA@duncanlewis.com, or by telephone at 02031141269.
Duncan Lewis Housing Team
The Duncan Lewis Housing team is ranked as a Top Tier practice The Legal 500 UK for its extensive experience in all areas of social housing and property litigation. Offering both publicly funded (legal aid) and privately funded legal services nationwide, our experts can guide clients in any matter or issues arising with local housing authorities, housing applications, tenants, landlords, ownership and repairs. With a niche expertise in unlawful eviction, disrepair and homelessness matters the team offers representation in all proceedings including reviews, appeals and judicial review proceedings.