My neighbor is taking huge chances building extra rooms.
Folks.. Here’s a curious tale regarding additional rooms being built at a guest house which borders the side of my property. I’d best not name the town in case the owner picks this up, except to say I’m in the Free State and approx 50km from Potch and 45km from Sasolburg.
In February this year I asked the guest house owner to cut down two small trees which are breaking open my wall. She said NO WAY..they are building extra rooms and these are needed for shade. Even though their position only provides a little shade just before sunset. Nothing was done.
Then a couple of weeks ago, builders suddenly arrived, dug foundations then the very next day poured the foundation, and the day after, started the brickwork.
I checked the distance from my boundary, its 1.3m, and I’ve not approved the deviation from 1.5m.
After that I started a conversation up with the owner, she tells me all is in order and the plans were approved in 1963..yes you read that correctly, its not a typo. She sees no problem with the plans and approval being sixty years old.
Now for the amusing part.
I’ve started asking her to cut down the tree’s damaging the wall , she tells me its a joint responsibility as its my wall. And should a bird sit on the wall and poop, and a tree grow against the wall from that poop, so I’m also responsible for removing the trees.. lol. I asked.. if a bird flies past and poops, and the poop just happens to land next to the wall, is this also my responsibility. And how can a person determine how the seed was planted. Obviously she’s got no answer there.
Next, I queried about storm water drainage from her plot to mine. I was told each drain is blocked on her side, and according to her municipal contact, I’m responsible for ensuring her side is clear. She sent me photos of the drains from her side. They’ve put paving or stones against the drainage panels. And blew a gasket when I asked to come round to dig up the paving and stones. It seems her hubby will be attending to this.
The last thing is something I can’t wait to see how its resolved. The back of these rooms is less than 1.5m from their neighbours boundary, and sewage pipes must run down the gap. SANS 10400 says they must be at least 1.5m from the foundations. Except there isn’t enough room.. As they say, **** happens.
