Neighbours open market in his front garden every week

[Fireant]

Hello, for about two years now my neighbour has been having an open market next door, in his front garden. When it’s not raining he sits there, next to my own drive and sells about 40 or so bikes, gym equipment including weights and press benches, leather jackets, weights, fishing rods, massive teddies, old furniture etc.

I’ve talked to my neighbour about repeatedly and he keeps saying that he will stop, or will keep it at a minimum, or will do it at the park and ride etc. But he has not stopped! This happens about twice or three times a week from spring to autumn.

Obviously, we get a lot of traffic by our doorstep, including young kids. And often I have issues pulling out of my driveway. Also, every time someone stops to talk to him about his bikes his dogs starts barking his head off in his back garden. This is a residential area and I feel the nuisance he’s causing to all his neighbours is exceptional.

Of course, I’ve also written to the council with photographic evidence dating back to many months ago. The council wrote him a letter and nothing came out of it because they say he’s not doing anything illegal because he does not have regular times and he’s not employing people. Even if that’s may be ok by trading standards how can this be ok in terms of the disruption he’s causing to a residential neighbourhood?

Any advice on the best course of action would be most appreciated. Thank you!

[atticus]

Have you contacted the planning department?

[echat11]

Does he own the property?

Did you provide the Council with video / photo evidence? i.e. 'And often I have issues pulling out of my driveway.'

I wonder if it could be construed as 'harassment', he says he will do something about it i.e. stop etc, but continues doing it.

[Fireant]

I haven’t contacted the planning department. I will do so. But for my understanding, why would this be a matter for the planning department?

also, yes I have provided the trading dept with a lot of photographic evidence, but not necessarily for the moment I’m driving out of my property. And yes, I believe he owns the property.

[echat11]

I haven’t contacted the planning department. I will do so. But for my understanding, why would this be a matter for the planning department?

also, yes I have provided the trading dept with a lot of photographic evidence, but not necessarily for the moment I’m driving out of my property. And yes, I believe he owns the property.

'but not necessarily for the moment I’m driving out of my property.'

That's something you need to do, the pictures / videos need to show that he 'interferes' with your 'day to day' life.

Also speak with your local Councillor / MP.