Since autumn 2016, when the Braun family moved in next door, a series of issues have arisen relating to parking, shared driveway access, visitor behaviour, and noise. This blog provides a factual record of those events, supported by dates, photographs, and solicitor correspondence where applicable.
Before 2016, we had lived here since 1984 and maintained good relations with all previous families, including service personnel, tradespeople, and others. The following sections summarise events and difficulties that have developed since the Brauns’ arrival.
Over the years, different contractors employed at the Braun property have at times parked vehicles on or across the shared driveway. Requests to avoid blocking access have not always been followed. This has led to recurring difficulties when entering or exiting the property.
The Braun household has maintained several vehicles at different times, including a Range Rover, a Mercedes saloon, a Mercedes minibus, and a BMW convertible. At times, vehicles have been stored long-term in visitor parking bays or on-street spaces, reducing availability for neighbours.
4 May 2023: Neighbours commented that difficulties with parking arrangements were widely noticed within the close. Reports indicated concern about vehicles occupying shared and visitor spaces.
20 May 2023: A large party took place at the Braun property. Visitors parked in ways that obstructed driveways and restricted access along the narrow street. One car remained parked across our driveway for three hours despite requests for it to be moved.
7 August 2023: Several household vehicles were moved around midnight. The Mercedes minibus remained parked in a visitor bay for an extended period.
The Mercedes minibus was removed from the street in September but later returned and again occupied a visitor bay for long durations.
Following ongoing issues with obstruction of the driveway, a solicitor’s letter was sent reminding the Brauns of their obligations under the property deeds. Some improvements were observed afterwards, though occasional problems with visitor and contractor parking continued.
Although obstruction incidents reduced, concerns persisted about vehicles blocking or restricting access, noise late at night, and visitor parking practices. These issues continued to create stress and inconvenience.
Noise disturbances were recorded into the early hours, with visitors leaving around 02:00–04:00. The Mercedes minibus returned and was again parked long-term in a visitor bay. Daily takeaway deliveries were also observed, alongside extensive building work continuing inside the property.
Significant works were carried out inside the Braun property between 2020 and 2024. Some neighbours expressed concerns about possible alternative use of the extension or conversion to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). These concerns were based on scale of works and company registrations but have not been formally confirmed.
Heavy contractor vehicles and excavation work led to subsidence and persistent flooding. A large puddle, nicknamed “The Blue Lagoon,” now forms during rain.
12 March 2024: A contractor vehicle was parked across the driveway, preventing access. The vehicle was subsequently moved to an on-street space after a request.
A second solicitor’s letter was sent in May 2024. This clarified that commercial or trade vehicles should not be parked on the property under the terms of the deeds. It also reiterated that householders are responsible for preventing visitors and contractors from obstructing shared access.
29 June 2024: A temporary string line and wheelie-bin were placed along the centre of the shared driveway. This created uncertainty and restricted clear access. Photographs and CCTV recorded the incident. The obstructions were later removed, though bricks remained, creating a trip hazard.
15 June 2024: Visitors departed the Braun property at around 01:00, talking loudly in the street. Neighbours were disturbed by the noise. Similar gatherings took place on other weekends, typically between 22:00 and 02:00.
28 October 2024: A party was held at the Braun property on a Monday evening. Visitors parked in limited street spaces, with one vehicle blocking the end of our driveway until it was moved following a request.
