Nightmare neighbour

How about telling the council you "saw" some rats! That is a health issue and the council have to make him deal with it (I believe)

You would still need his permission unfortunately as the person with the chainsaw would be on private land. It is very tempting.

Do you ever see him? Does he have any relatives that you could approach?

I wonder where I would stand if I paid someone to come with a chainsaw?!!

The neighbour facing us has let his property fall into disrepair, the garden is growing through the windows and everywhere is an eyesore. We contacted the council and they came and took photographs, weeks later they told us there was nothing they could as he owned the house. Another neighbour took a pair of secateurs to tree branches that were right across the pavement and catching on clothing as people passed. This man refuses to be shamed and it has spoilt the look of the street.
A house for sale next door but one to me is not getting viewers through the door as they drive up the street and see what is opposite and some don't even get out of the car.

Unfortunately there is nothing you can do unless your own property is being affected - roof tiles missing on his side that are allowing water into your property or such like. I really feel sorry for you as there is no doubt the state of his house will be a very definite turn off for anyone looking at yours. It's possible the local council could have a word with him but really we are all free to live in hovels if we choose to.

Could you ask him face to face or is he a total recluse?

I agree ask the local council's advice.

Maybe start with local Council?