About 1 square metre. For each hive you need enough space for it and then double it (for when you take boxes off) with room to stand. That said, bees work best in the sun and beekeeping is easiest with two hives.
Keeping it from messing with neighbours too much is a good idea, as dirty washing or stings wouldn’t be appreciated. Heaving the entrance to the hive close to a wall or fence is a traditional way to get them to fly high and away from people.
Keeping it from messing with neighbours too much is a good idea, as dirty washing or stings wouldn’t be appreciated. Heaving the entrance to the hive close to a wall or fence is a traditional way to get them to fly high and away from people.