By Rossowheels
Lincolnshire,
United Kingdom 
Our garden backs on to the rear wall of a neighbour’s barn which they have converted into residential use with planning permission and inserted opening windows with clear glass despite there being a restrictive covenant which states that they have no air or light rights. We have requested that they obscure the glass windows to maintain our privacy but they have refused.
We would like to erect a privacy screen in our garden to cover their windows and are wondering how close to their rear wall containing the offending windows are we permitted to have this structure?
2 Sep, 2018
Answers
wow, this is a sticky problem. You will defeat the very purpose for which the windows were installed. I think they just wanted more light & fresh air to make the space more livable, not to infringe upon your privacy. You bet they won't be happy about that. I'll bet the new tenants will put up curtains/blinds anyway. I would definitely follow Jimmy's advice. If you get the 'green light' then a couple evergreen spruce trees may serve the purpose.
2 Sep, 2018
Could you plant a shrub that will get fairly tall fairly quickly but far enough from the windows to still allow light in and not look vindictive? Perhaps something like an Eleagnus ebbingii that can be clipped when it reaches the desired height? This would be less obvious than a continuous structure so perhaps less likely to cause friction with the owners. Is the grassed area the full extent of the garden affected?
3 Sep, 2018
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I would contact your local council planning department for the definitive answer to your question.
2 Sep, 2018