Couple's ocean view blocked by neighbour's 'malicious' stunt
John and Judy Dewar claim their neighbours have intentionally blocked their home's ocean view with shipping containers.
An elderly couple say they have been living in “hell” for four years after a neighbour “maliciously” blocked their idyllic home’s ocean view with two 12-metre shipping containers, derelict cars and tarps.
John, 81, and Judy Dewar, 77, moved into the property in Napier, on New Zealand’s North Island, seven years ago so they could be closer to their grandchildren, Stuff.co.nz reports.
While the “first few years were ideal” — and the couple “looked forward” to admiring sea views for the rest of their days — they told the publication an ongoing feud with neighbours Simon Bicknell and Carol McLennan has since shattered that dream.
Feud between neighbours leads to blocked ocean view
The Dewars' home sits on a plot of land owned by their daughter and son-in-law. Bicknell and his partner bought their property to the north in 2015, and also own a 20 metre-wide strip of land that stretches 100 metres in front of the Dewar’s house, according to Stuff.
The relationship between the two couples reportedly quickly soured over the next few years as discussions about swapping the sliver of land stalled, before taking a “reprehensible” turn.
In 2020, Bicknell placed one of the shipping containers on the seaside strip up against the Dewars' fence, blocking their living room view.
He later moved it a short distance away from the fence after being urged by council, however the metal eyesore was soon joined by rusty cars, the publication reports.
Neighbour considers ‘petty’ response to common backyard dispute
Neighbour's 'passive aggressive' gift for smoker flicking ash onto his balcony
Backyard charity saved after neighbour complains suburban street is 'too busy'
Judge deems neighbour's container act 'reprehensible'
The following year, the Dewars took the matter to court, where Bicknell argued he had no other place to store the items as it would hinder his kids’ cycling.
Despite Judge David Harvey acknowledging “there was clearly a thought on the part of Mr Bicknell that he could bring pressure on the Dewars” to settle their property dispute, he stated there is “no actionable nuisance for obstruction of a view” and denied the request to order him to remove the container, Stuff reports.
“I am satisfied beyond any shadow of doubt that Mr Bicknell’s activities in placing the container where he did was malicious. It was intentional, it was designed to distress,” he added.
Bicknell’s lawyer Matthew Lawson told the publication the neighbourly feud — which has since escalated with the addition of a second shipping container late last year and tarps earlier this month — “arose from the Dewars telling Carol and Simon what they can and can’t do on their land and wanting to be able to cross the land as they pleased”.
However, Judy Dewar says “the emotional and mental impact” of the long-standing stalemate “has been huge”.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
