Grade II Barn backing onto neighbours garden

Have good relations with our neighbours - so far.  Our old barn now shares a common boundary with a newish house (ie one of its walls).  They have planted a border all along this wall. Problem is that there is some leaky/old guttering, which we are quite happy to deal with, but, there is a downpipe which vanishes into the middle of their bed.  They want us to move the downpipe to the end of building, so that it discharges into an adjoining field (this belongs to the church).  Although we are sympathetic do feel we arent responsible for their borders.  What's the answer? 

Honestly-move the pipe -why fall out over this-unless it is a major job-perhaps compromise over the cost-you never know when you need a good neighbour.

Look at it from their point of view- would you be happy?

But I would check it is not going to cause more problems with the church-but by the sound of it it shouldn't

I have to say, I agree with Geoff 

If its not too big a job. Better to keep on the good side but if there is a cost, I would suggest that they need to put their hand in their pocket as well, after all, its not that its causing problems...they just don't like it there.

Check with the Church they may say they want a soak away if you move the pipe, get all parties involved and talk, to jaw is better than going to war.

Frank.

it might also be worth checking if the barn is listed..... i don't know a lot about planning etc but there may be something to say you cant move the down pipe, if thats the case there isn't anyway they can be upset.... although I suspect that if it's just guttering then you will be ok to move it, is there any wayyou can move it onto your property and harvert the water for your garden?

Doh just noticed the title.... of course it's listed!

As it's listed you will have to get permission to move anything.  You may also be constrained as to the material of the new downpipe.

You also can't just discharge water onto anybody else's land .  In the final analysis they bought their property with the downpipe in it's present position.  Is your soil suitable for a soakaway?  If you are on clay it will be difficult.