I would really appreciate your advice. My neighbour removed the old path in the alleyway between our houses including the plinth that was attached to the bottom of my wall (right of the picture). They then filled the gap with concrete and laid a new path (picture attached) which is too close to my wall, allowing for splashback. We are going to remove approximately 1 m of the render but a surveyor also suggested installing a French drain. I am a bit worried about digging down next to the house. Are there any alternatives