Neighbour row explodes as homeowners told to ‘fight it out in the ring’ or settle legal dispute over allotments through ‘mediation’

A heated neighbour row over allotments at a former RAF base in Lincolnshire has led to a judge telling neighbours to either settle their differences through mediation – or “fight it out in the ring”.

The case at Lincoln County Court centres on an unpaid service charge at Nocton Park estate, with District Judge Armitage pausing proceedings after tensions flared between residents and the estate’s management firm.

The estate consists of converted ex-RAF properties and new builds from Peter Sowerby Homes, where residents pay an annual £160 service charge to maintain amenity land.

The dispute began when resident Paul Reeve-Browne refused to pay the full fee, arguing that a third of the land was taken up by inaccessible allotments.

And Peter Sowerby Homes had already received a reduced fee of £122.71 to account for the allotment space.

The public hearing on Tuesday, January 28, drew such significant interest that two courtrooms were needed to accommodate the amount of observers.

Managing agent Simon Baxter and director Kenny Mabbott represented the management company, while residents Paul Reeve-Browne and Kristie French appeared for the defence.

The court heard that previous attempts at mediation had failed, with disagreements over mediator selection and associated costs.

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Judge Armitage described the case as “massively complex,” noting it had evolved beyond a simple service charge dispute to include four counter-claims.

He also acknowledged the wider community impact, referencing a petition regarding the allotments that would affect 22 plot holders.

“I know this allotment, I’m from the area,” said Judge Armitage. “I know Nocton Park, I know how it is set up and how many people could be impacted.”

The judge ordered a four-month pause in proceedings until May 28 to allow for mediation between the parties.

“Today from my perspective is a line in the sand. It’s in more of a mess now than it was,” Judge Armitage told the court.

He likened the situation to a divorce, noting that “the emotions are rising at such a level that there is a tit for tat.”

In a final warning to both parties, Judge Armitage emphasised that litigation should always be a “last resort.”

The judge reminded those involved that they would remain neighbours regardless of the outcome, stating they were “all intertwined” and would still have to see each other.

He stressed that court orders must be followed, warning that “the more they are not complied with the more unhappy the situation.”