forestry on my doorstep! where do i stand?

Rovi

Judging by your photograph and the opinion that they're at or about ready for thinning, I surmise that those trees were planted 12-18 years ago.
That's at least 2 owners ago, according to this:

Ronnie_Rotten wrote: »

i didn't own the place when the trees were planted. i bought it 3 years ago. it had been empty for 4 years before that. the last guy had it for 4 years or so before the bank had it off him. it was in a pretty derelict state when he got it.

It was "pretty derelict" 7 years ago; what sort of state was it in 12-18 years ago? Was it occupied or habitable at that time?

If the plantation was established under whatever forestry scheme was in effect at the time, it would have to have been planted/supervised by an accredited forester and signed off on by the Forestry Service.
I'd be amazed if this building went unnoticed by either/both of these professional persons, so I wonder if they either were in agreement that it was abandoned/derelict and therefore did not fall under the 60m setback requirement, or if some sort of agreement was reached with the then owners?

Rovi

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Thread moved to the Forestry forum.

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Oldtree

"Caveat emptor" your only route is an amicable one with your neighbour, unless you buy some of the adjoining lands.

Perhaps a pertinent question for your neighbour would be "does his liability insurance cover (in the event of a fire or windthrown mature trees) include damage to adjoining properties?" If not then he would be directly liable.

periodictable

Ronnie_Rotten wrote: »

i didn't own the place when the trees were planted.

If indeed there is a nuisance, you went into the deal with your eyes open, so you cannot blame the closeness of the trees to the house-you bought the property with a forest next door.
Look on the bright side-you've got protection from the wind-your house is south facing?
What about your own golden leylandii on the other side? They will get very very big.
Roots form the forest are not of concern to you, but leylandii being an extremely shallow rooted tree risks blowing.
If you have genuine concerns, talk to the owner. Ask him would he consider thinning the lines closest to you heavily-50% removal of the trees- it should reduce top height and make the trees windfirm. They could be high pruned too to allow some airflow and perhaps light and to encourage a green understorey thereby reducing your fire risk.
You came to the nuisance, so don't blame the land owner.
I cannot help but wonder if the trees close to you were broadleaves, would you have worked yourself up into such a lather?

Ronnie_Rotten

I remembered my password..... so I'm bumping this thread!

Several subtle attempts have been made with regards to the issue I have. Most of them replied to with a typically West of Ireland 'ah well Tis grand sure so it is' type of response. Nice guy, but old and not that....progressive shall we say.

Any other thoughts on the LEGAL situation here. We've invested a few shekels in the place now and are wondering what the insurance assessor might say with regards to the trees.

Oh, and to the last poster, a broadleaf forest would be preferable, surely, but yes. I think I'd feel exactly the same if the risks were the same...

Standard Toaster

@Ronnie_Rotten How did you fair out here approx 10years later? Is the old bean still around?