'You can't get through to them': Neighbours' swimming pool feud cost one pensioner $137K
- Replies 13
When we think of neighbourly disputes, we imagine a tiff over a fence height or perhaps the occasional disagreement about noise levels.
Yet for one pensioner, a disagreement with his neighbours over a swimming pool has escalated into a full-blown legal battle, costing thousands of dollars in the process.
Retired surveyor and property developer David Holland found himself in a long feud that was more fitting for a dramatic courtroom thriller than a quiet residential area.
The root of the problem was a swimming pool Holland claimed to be too close to his home.
This pool, in turn, impacted the 76-year-old's property and was believed to be non-compliant with local regulations.
The previous owners of the neighbouring property built the pool in question, but it did not stop Holland from pushing for changes.
His professional background gave him insights into property compliance, and he's adamant that the pool and its developments do not meet the necessary standards.
According to Holland, the pool's fences encroached on his property.
A pool leak also caused damage to his carport.
Due to the long-standing feud, Holland's legal fees have racked up to NZ$150,000 (A$137,000)—a sum that could have been used for countless other purposes.
'As soon as somebody like me challenges them, they just shut down, and you can't get through to them,' Mr Holland shared.
'They know my age. They're waiting for me to die. This is what they do; they hope you die or run out of money and capitulate.'
Yet Holland is not the only one feeling the financial strain.
The Tauranga City Council also reportedly spent around half a million dollars of ratepayers' money in the dispute.
The council defended its actions and claimed to have acted 'fair, reasonable and entirely ethical' throughout the process.
'These proceedings have resulted in significant costs. However, we must respond when complaints are raised and when we are included in legal proceedings,' Steve Pearce, the council's Building Services Manager, stated.
On the other side of the fence, swimming pool owners Phil and Stella Huse are baffled by the situation.
They believe they had all the appropriate paperwork for the structures and see Holland's complaints as shallow.
Yet, the costs continue to mount for both parties, and neither neighbour is willing to back down.
Holland's concerns were more than just property compliance.
He also feared that if the pool were to 'implode', it could destroy his retaining wall and send his carport crashing down.
'They could either just fill the whole thing in and then dig it out and put another pool in, or otherwise. They can move it about a metre and a half, put a new fence in and back-fill it,' Mr Holland suggested.
Mr Holland's predicament is a stark reminder of how neighbourly disputes can spiral out of control.
These disputes could also lead to financial and emotional turmoil.
It's a cautionary tale for all of us to try and resolve issues amicably and early on before they reach the courts and the bank accounts start to bleed.
If ever in doubt about property boundaries or local regulations, it's always best to seek professional advice before things get out of hand.
It could save you a lot of time, stress, and money in the long run.
Have you found yourself in a neighbourly dispute lately? How did you handle it, and what advice would you give to those currently involved in one? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
Yet for one pensioner, a disagreement with his neighbours over a swimming pool has escalated into a full-blown legal battle, costing thousands of dollars in the process.
Retired surveyor and property developer David Holland found himself in a long feud that was more fitting for a dramatic courtroom thriller than a quiet residential area.
The root of the problem was a swimming pool Holland claimed to be too close to his home.
This pool, in turn, impacted the 76-year-old's property and was believed to be non-compliant with local regulations.
The previous owners of the neighbouring property built the pool in question, but it did not stop Holland from pushing for changes.
A neighbour's pool has been causing stress towards 76-year-old homeowner David Holland, hence his disputes. Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay
His professional background gave him insights into property compliance, and he's adamant that the pool and its developments do not meet the necessary standards.
According to Holland, the pool's fences encroached on his property.
A pool leak also caused damage to his carport.
Due to the long-standing feud, Holland's legal fees have racked up to NZ$150,000 (A$137,000)—a sum that could have been used for countless other purposes.
'As soon as somebody like me challenges them, they just shut down, and you can't get through to them,' Mr Holland shared.
'They know my age. They're waiting for me to die. This is what they do; they hope you die or run out of money and capitulate.'
Yet Holland is not the only one feeling the financial strain.
The Tauranga City Council also reportedly spent around half a million dollars of ratepayers' money in the dispute.
The council defended its actions and claimed to have acted 'fair, reasonable and entirely ethical' throughout the process.
'These proceedings have resulted in significant costs. However, we must respond when complaints are raised and when we are included in legal proceedings,' Steve Pearce, the council's Building Services Manager, stated.
On the other side of the fence, swimming pool owners Phil and Stella Huse are baffled by the situation.
They believe they had all the appropriate paperwork for the structures and see Holland's complaints as shallow.
Yet, the costs continue to mount for both parties, and neither neighbour is willing to back down.
Holland's concerns were more than just property compliance.
He also feared that if the pool were to 'implode', it could destroy his retaining wall and send his carport crashing down.
'They could either just fill the whole thing in and then dig it out and put another pool in, or otherwise. They can move it about a metre and a half, put a new fence in and back-fill it,' Mr Holland suggested.
Mr Holland's predicament is a stark reminder of how neighbourly disputes can spiral out of control.
These disputes could also lead to financial and emotional turmoil.
It's a cautionary tale for all of us to try and resolve issues amicably and early on before they reach the courts and the bank accounts start to bleed.
If ever in doubt about property boundaries or local regulations, it's always best to seek professional advice before things get out of hand.
It could save you a lot of time, stress, and money in the long run.
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