18mo after moving into new build, told our garden fence temporary, will now lose 31.5msq

HampshireH

daveyjp said:

I'd be asking in writing for the information they are relying on which has led them to this conclusion.

No further discussion until it is received.

Yup this. Then you actually know in writing what they want and why. Not just a quick chat on the doorstep (or in the house) where they can try and hold you to something you may say.

spencer999

I need to follow this story to the end now

Skiddaw1

Me too... OP, please don't go away will you? I have to know how it pans out... good luck BTW....

Slinky

Ditto.......

crazyoldmaurice

Following this too. What a complete ball ache!

NinjaTune

@RatInACage has just posted what I was thinking.

If either developer 'knew' the fence was temporary then why did they allow you to shift large quantities of (their) soil into your garden and landscape it up to the aforementioned temporary fence?

moneymattersnatter

My goodness, on Wednesday when I was so stressed out and told we weren't covered under Home Insurance for boundary disputes, you (and mumsnet) were absolute lifelines, and continue to be, even now we've got legal support!  I'm here to the end, don't you worry!  I rang NHBC and Consumer Code for Home Builders who both say they'll support us - if the developer doesn't manage this within their code of conduct.  The attempt to gaslight is dubious, but without effect so we'll just have to walk this out.
I actually just got an email from the Customer Services manager confirming the management team will outline options and timeframes by next Friday (or sooner), that no works have been or will be instructed without our knowledge.  It was a lovely email.  I actually feel really sorry for the CS guy, but then I remember he's being paid to manage this - none of us are! 

mrschaucer

moneymattersnatter said:

I actually just got an email from the Customer Services manager confirming the management team will outline options and timeframes by next Friday (or sooner), that no works have been or will be instructed without our knowledge. 

Just make sure that one of the options is for the developers to sort it out between themselves WITHOUT involving you in any way.

trix-a-belle

As has been said possession is 9/10ths & they've given no proof they are just hoping you will roll over. I'd ready yourself with a statement you can parrot at them;
"That fence was in place when we viewed the property over 18 months ago and specific mention was made to the size of the garden & it being a key feature of the plot hence we spent such time and money landscaping it to make the most of it as you were aware. A concreted in big sturdy fence like that definitely doesn't look or feel temporary & nothing to this effect was ever even hinted at, & you, the developers, planted the front hedge up to the same boundary as the fence. The plot matches the land registry plan of what we purchased so I don't see any problem with my home. Goodbye"

welshmoneylover

If I had spent £20k on landscaping there is no way would I budge on anything.
the mistake is between the developers and this is a fascinating story, I really hope you win OP.
can you please keep updates coming?