Neighbour puts up 8ft fence a foot from family’s home – plunging them into darkness

A NEIGHBOUR has put up an 8ft fence just a foot from a family’s home.

Dad-of-three Rob Shepherd can now barely open three windows which he says is a fire safety hazard.

Builder Michael Fitzsimons put the wooden screen up next door after a series of rows with Rob.

Architect technician Rob, 38, said the lack of natural light in his front room and two bedrooms caused by the barrier is disturbing his autistic son and wife Sarah, 38, who suffers Seasonal Affective Disorder.

This can leave her depressed when not exposed to sunlight.

Their bungalow is ­attached to Mr Fitzsimon’s property. Both once formed a doctor’s surgery.

Some of Rob’s windows face his neighbour’s land using opaque glass, in line with planning rules.

The fence does not require planning permission but Rob believes his home has “right of light” status, meaning Mr Fitzsimons may eventually be forced to take it down.

But he is having to deal with costly solicitors to get it dealt with.

The Shepherds, sons Reece, 20 and Robbie, 17, and daughter Betsy, five, live in Portslade near Brighton, East Sussex.

Rob said: “The first big row came when the guy was using power tools and my son played music to drown out the noise.”

Mr Fitzsimons was approached for comment.