ᐅ Narrow Plot and Fencing – Guidance

Created on: 25 Jun 2019 16:09
R
Rob11
R
Rob11
25 Jun 2019 16:09
Hello,

We were recently offered a plot of land from a neighboring municipality at short notice.
Pros
- 437 sqm (4,704 sq ft)
- very affordable price
- new development area
- located on the edge of fields facing southeast
- floor area ratio 0.4

Cons
- The plot is quite elongated and therefore very narrow – approximately 16 x 27 m (52 x 89 ft)
- Maximum ridge height 7.5 m (24.6 ft), maximum eaves height 4.5 m (14.8 ft)

Because of the narrow shape, I can only imagine the layout as drawn (in red): garage/house positioned in the upper/rear half.
However, this results in the main garden not being behind the house (towards the fields), but instead lying southwest alongside the house, running the entire depth of the plot.

Here is the issue: A private garden where we can feel comfortable is very important to us. According to the development plan, only 80 cm (31.5 inches) tall fencing (fence or hedge) is allowed along the north side (street), and possibly the same along the south side (field path).

I can only build higher fencing if the enclosure is within the building zone, which is approximately 2.5 m (8.2 ft) set back from the long sides of the plot. But that would mean losing half of the garden and end up with a useless front yard. Alternatively, with low fencing, the view from the street directly looks through to the fields.

Does anyone have an idea or suggestion on how to solve this?
We are not looking for anything special – just considering a classical house shape of about 8 x 11 m (26 x 36 ft) currently.

Thank you very much
R
Rob11
25 Jun 2019 16:11
Here is the site plan

Site plan with plots WA 1 and WA 2, area 437 m² (4703 sq ft), marked in red
N
Niloa
25 Jun 2019 16:37
I would plant a hedge and let it grow taller than 80cm (31 inches), hoping that no one comes to check or that no neighbor reports you. Otherwise, you’ll have to live with the restriction or look for a different plot.

If you plan the terrace on the west side of the house, you can at least install some kind of screen or privacy barrier facing the street.

With a plot length of 27m (89 feet), you won’t have many meters left for the garden to hide. A 3m (10 feet) garage, 11m (36 feet) house, and 3m (10 feet) terrace leave you about 10m (33 feet) for the garden. What do you want to do there that you don’t want anyone to see?
S
Scout
25 Jun 2019 16:50
Does the zoning plan not allow terrace dividing walls? Typically, these can be up to 3 m (10 feet) in length.

Otherwise, only a permanently fixed structure is considered a boundary enclosure. You might also consider side awnings, which are available up to 5 m (16 feet) long – and they are not classified as a building structure! They provide good privacy when needed....
M
Müllerin
25 Jun 2019 16:53
Why does "feeling comfortable" always have to mean "fortifying oneself"?
I don’t get it... Just install a privacy screen on the terrace so you can eat unnoticed or place a lounge chair there. For the rest of the garden, I would put up an 80cm (31.5 inches) wire mesh fence to save space and cover it with ivy. That looks nice and green, is eco-friendly because many animals like it, and doesn’t take up much room. The rest of the property can then be filled with taller bushes and/or trees...

As if you were so interesting that the neighbors have nothing better to do than watch every little thing you do in the garden... Don’t take it (too) personally, that’s usually what I think when I see enclosed gardens.
H
haydee
25 Jun 2019 17:03
I would install an 80cm (32 inches) high enclosure, add a side privacy screen to the terrace, plant various perennials, grasses, hedges, and small trees, and repeatedly break up the sight lines.