Developer's responsibility for noisy neighbours on new build development

SystemThinking

My wife and I just bought a new build in a nice development, a "premium" one according to the developer. To our great disappointment, the neighbours whose garden backs onto ours are unreasonably noisy (playing loud music outside, multiple loud gatherings, especially on weekends) and have been extremely hostile when we politely requested they turn the music down after a long day of noise (it had been 7 hours by that point). The developer clearly stated that they would not intervene in a "neighbour dispute", even though the neighbours are in breach of the covenant regarding "peaceful enjoyment" that is between them and the developer. There are still a few unsold houses, some of which are adjacent to the noisy neighbours'. Our concern is that this will negatively affect the value of our house if not dealt with. My two questions:

1) To what extent do the developers have a responsibility in this situation (e.g. do they have to disclose the situation - that they are now aware of - to prospective buyers of the remaining units, like anyone selling an existing house would)?

2) Any other suggestions for dealing with the noise (ideally not involving a legal route, as the latter would lead to an "official" dispute that would have to be disclosed when selling later on)?

moneysavinghero

All developers call their developments premium in one way or another. Does not mean they are and is irrelevant to this anyway.

Answer to 2: Get the hose pipe out.

Thrugelmir

SystemThinking said:

even though the neighbours are in breach of the covenant regarding "peaceful enjoyment" that is between them and the developer. 

Think that you misunderstand the actual meaning of that covenant. It means that the owners have the right to use their property without unreasonable or unnecessary interference from the developer. 

davidmcn

SystemThinking said:

2) Any other suggestions for dealing with the noise (ideally not involving a legal route, as the latter would lead to an "official" dispute that would have to be disclosed when selling later on)?

You're already beyond that point, if you look at the wording of the relevant questions - complaints don't need to be "official", and you've already complained.

RelievedSheff

You will have no joy with the developers.

Try the council. But if the noise is during the day rather than late at night you won't really have much luck with them either.

Invite yourself around to the party next time. You might enjoy it 😃

penners324

Can't people learn to live again? We're coming out of lockdown, they have a new house with a garden so are entertaining friends for the first time....

davilown

Do they own the property or is it rented? May give you alternative avenues to make a complaint about them.

teachfast

You can complain about people using their garden but unless the hours are completely antisocial and the noise level very high all you will do is create a formal dispute which will need declaring. 

welshmoneylover

Get your own sound system and play some classical music for hours on end, or turn it up and play an audio book, War and Peace is a long book! 

[Deleted User]

Absolutely nothing the developer can, or will do. 

How often are these gatherings exactly? Bearing in mind lockdown restrictions have only just eased a couple of weeks ago. They might not have seen family or friends for some time, along with the fact they have just moved to a new house. I'd give them the benefit of the doubt for now. The novelty of showing off their new home to everyone will soon wear off i'm sure. 

cattie

I feel for you. I've always thought neighbours who have loud radios or sound systems in the garden incredibly inconsiderate.Why do they think people living in neighbouring properties should be forced to listen to their choice of music?

I once had a neighbour something like the one you have who lived next door but one to me. Sadly these inconsiderates generally are hostile if a request is made to turn the music down a bit as you've found & if it's during daytime hours there's nothing you can really do. However, it could well be when the other houses are occupied there will be more complaints that hit home or as others have mentioned, once we are free of lockdowns they will become used to living a quieter life.