The number of disputes between neighbours which end up involving lawyers has gone up sharply over the past year, according to newspaper nrc.next.

Insurance group Achmea, which has 1.9 million clients with legal aid cover, says last year it was involved in some 600 legal disputes between neighbours. That is up 33% on 2011, Achmea told broadcaster Nos.

Specialist legal aid insurer DAS sees a similar trned. It opened 580 files on neighbourhood disputes last year, compared with 400 in 2011.

Noisy children

Differences of opinion about building extensions and the view dominate the list of problems. But noise, smell, overhanging tree branches and children are also major irritants.

Local council arbitration organisations were involved in trying to solve 10,000 disputes between neighbours in 2013, Nos said. Some 50% of councils have such a body.

Last month, the crime prevention centre CVV, which mediates in neighbourhood disputes, launched a national campaign to make people more aware of the impact of their actions on their neighbours.