Looks like what the neighbors are really objecting to is the right of access across their yard to the door of the adjacent property. The notaire should have dealt with this when the property changed hands. We were told that there is a public right of access across our land to our neighbors' well, though I don't believe anyone has taken advantage of that in the 10 years we have been here.
for anyone needing a translation (I found I hadn't understood all that much!) here it is http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/11047435/British-couple-walled-into-French-home-by-neighbours-from-hell.html
The nightmare neighbours are Brits too, for Heaven's sake.And why is it not illegal to deface your neighbour's property by hammering the shutters closed?
In the UK, there is a Common Law right of "Ancient Lights." If there has been access to light and air through openings in a building for 20 years, it is illegal to obstruct that. Is there something similar in France? In any case, I would think the Mairie would be able to take action if the work had been done without planning consent.......
Hi again Greg, I suppose it will come down to whoever is right in the eyes of the law ? I can't imagine any compromise being reached...