Amenity placed outside house by neighbours

mrmanire

Just adding a query here as I'm hoping someone here has more knowledge than me.

I live in lovely estate with a lot of space and green areas. Neighbours are good there is no anti social activity or issues of any kind. Pretty much an idyllic space. The estate was recently taken in by the local county council.

Last year our next door neighbours placed a mobile basketball hoop about 4 metres directly in front of our drive in a car turning area. We are the second house from the end of a cul-de-sac in the estate and the turn about is perfect for basketball as when you couple it with the very low traffic volumes and the area of the road itself, it makes an area the size of half a court.

The neighbours who've place it out there honestly believe they've put out something good for the community and a great ammenity for the children of the estate. Most of the other neighbours in the estate are probably of the same opinion.

Whilst I'm happy to see the kids out playing here (we also have a very large football pitch sized green), it does mean that just outside our house has become the congregation area for the estates children and the basketball hoop has started drawing in kids from other estates. When it's not raining, there could be 5-15 children there on rotation for most of the day. Small kids from the afternoon and teenagers until after dark.

We have difficulty pulling our cars out, children are contstantly chasing balls that bounce in amongst our cars and more importantly the noise from numerous basketballs makes it impossible to use our front rooms most of the day. We literally can't watch TV.

We raised it with our neighbours a few months ago when the weather was bad and tried to see if we could meet half way. Bring out the hoop a few hours a day or maybe one day a week. They said they'd come back to us but have now plonked it out in the bay again.

We're not sure what to do as it's making the house unlivable in but at the same time, I know most of the neighbours in the estate think it's great because they don't have to deal with all of the noise outside their house for hours every day. Just to clarify, I have no issue with kids playing and know they will be noisey. I love life in the estate but all the activity congregated in one small area due to an amenity placed by a neighbour isn't fair.

We don't want to fall out with anyone and don't know what to do. Our neighbours have already said they don't want to place it anywhere else in estate or rotate it to different parking areas for 'insurance reasons'. They want it where they can see it.

Is there anything the council can do here or anything? We could go to the residents' association but we know all their kids enjoy it so there will definitely be bias.

Apologies for being long winded. If I've added to wrong forum, please can a Mod move? Any advice greatly appreciated.

backspin.

mrmanire wrote: »

Just adding a query here as I'm hoping someone here has more knowledge than me.

I live in lovely estate with a lot of space and green areas. Neighbours are good there is no anti social activity or issues of any kind. Pretty much an idyllic space. The estate was recently taken in by the local county council.

Last year our next door neighbours placed a mobile basketball hoop about 4 metres directly in front of our drive in a car turning area. We are the second house from the end of a cul-de-sac in the estate and the turn about is perfect for basketball as when you couple it with the very low traffic volumes and the area of the road itself, it makes an area the size of half a court.

The neighbours who've place it out there honestly believe they've put out something good for the community and a great ammenity for the children of the estate. Most of the other neighbours in the estate are probably of the same opinion.

Whilst I'm happy to see the kids out playing here (we also have a very large football pitch sized green), it does mean that just outside our house has become the congregation area for the estates children and the basketball hoop has started drawing in kids from other estates. When it's not raining, there could be 5-15 children there on rotation for most of the day. Small kids from the afternoon and teenagers until after dark.

We have difficulty pulling our cars out, children are contstantly chasing balls that bounce in amongst our cars and more importantly the noise from numerous basketballs makes it impossible to use our front rooms most of the day. We literally can't watch TV.

We raised it with our neighbours a few months ago when the weather was bad and tried to see if we could meet half way. Bring out the hoop a few hours a day or maybe one day a week. They said they'd come back to us but have now plonked it out in the bay again.

We're not sure what to do as it's making the house unlivable in but at the same time, I know most of the neighbours in the estate think it's great because they don't have to deal with all of the noise outside their house for hours every day. Just to clarify, I have no issue with kids playing and know they will be noisey. I love life in the estate but all the activity congregated in one small area due to an amenity placed by a neighbour isn't fair.

We don't want to fall out with anyone and don't know what to do. Our neighbours have already said they don't want to place it anywhere else in estate or rotate it to different parking areas for 'insurance reasons'. They want it where they can see it.

Is there anything the council can do here or anything? We could go to the residents' association but we know all their kids enjoy it so there will definitely be bias.

Apologies for being long winded. If I've added to wrong forum, please can a Mod move? Any advice greatly appreciated.

No way would I tolerate this. Why should you have to put up with that noise and disturbance.

Del2005

Inform your neighbour of the amount they'll have to pay out if anyone even scratches themselves on it. There's a reason why play grounds are extremely rare in private estates.

That way you are not the annoying neighbour complaining about the basketball net but the helpful neighbour keeping them safe from the solicitors.

Ya that would drive most people nuts, as you said, most of the neighbours are happy, as long as it’s not outside their door.

Maybe tell your neighbour, if a child hurts themselves as a result of that hoop, they could face a claim. It’s probably a long shot, but if they think they could be held liable, it’ll be in their back yard quicker than you can say “negligence payout”.

Edit: I see Dell got there before me.

lawred2

mrmanire wrote: »

Just adding a query here as I'm hoping someone here has more knowledge than me.

I live in lovely estate with a lot of space and green areas. Neighbours are good there is no anti social activity or issues of any kind. Pretty much an idyllic space. The estate was recently taken in by the local county council.

Last year our next door neighbours placed a mobile basketball hoop about 4 metres directly in front of our drive in a car turning area. We are the second house from the end of a cul-de-sac in the estate and the turn about is perfect for basketball as when you couple it with the very low traffic volumes and the area of the road itself, it makes an area the size of half a court.

The neighbours who've place it out there honestly believe they've put out something good for the community and a great ammenity for the children of the estate. Most of the other neighbours in the estate are probably of the same opinion.

Whilst I'm happy to see the kids out playing here (we also have a very large football pitch sized green), it does mean that just outside our house has become the congregation area for the estates children and the basketball hoop has started drawing in kids from other estates. When it's not raining, there could be 5-15 children there on rotation for most of the day. Small kids from the afternoon and teenagers until after dark.

We have difficulty pulling our cars out, children are contstantly chasing balls that bounce in amongst our cars and more importantly the noise from numerous basketballs makes it impossible to use our front rooms most of the day. We literally can't watch TV.

We raised it with our neighbours a few months ago when the weather was bad and tried to see if we could meet half way. Bring out the hoop a few hours a day or maybe one day a week. They said they'd come back to us but have now plonked it out in the bay again.

We're not sure what to do as it's making the house unlivable in but at the same time, I know most of the neighbours in the estate think it's great because they don't have to deal with all of the noise outside their house for hours every day. Just to clarify, I have no issue with kids playing and know they will be noisey. I love life in the estate but all the activity congregated in one small area due to an amenity placed by a neighbour isn't fair.

We don't want to fall out with anyone and don't know what to do. Our neighbours have already said they don't want to place it anywhere else in estate or rotate it to different parking areas for 'insurance reasons'. They want it where they can see it.

Is there anything the council can do here or anything? We could go to the residents' association but we know all their kids enjoy it so there will definitely be bias.

Apologies for being long winded. If I've added to wrong forum, please can a Mod move? Any advice greatly appreciated.

that would drive me mental - well intentioned as it is. We have a turning area in front of our house - I'd have to draw the line at a neighbour erecting goals or a basketball hoop out there. It's just not on.

looksee

Maybe just move it onto the green?

lawred2

looksee wrote: »

Maybe just move it onto the green?

basketball needs a hard surface really

ted1

Del2005 wrote: »

Inform your neighbour of the amount they'll have to pay out if anyone even scratches themselves on it. There's a reason why play grounds are extremely rare in private estates.

That way you are not the annoying neighbour complaining about the basketball net but the helpful neighbour keeping them safe from the solicitors.

Planning means all new estates need playgrounds.

Mrs OBumble

ted1 wrote: »

Planning means all new estates need playgrounds.

And insurance means no one's allowed to use ''em.


OP do you have a management company?

lawred2

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

And insurance means no one's allowed to use ''em.

that's not at all true

Caranica

If the council has taken the estate in charge then the road is public and they've placed an obstruction on it? Can't be legal

upinsmoke

If that was me it would be gone missing in the middle of the night or anytime it's put outside my house it would be put on the owners doorstep.

Del2005

ted1 wrote: »

Planning means all new estates need playgrounds.

Who pays the insurance? Because nearly all new estates are now private it is easy for a council to say that they have to have a play ground, but will the council or the residents have to pay the insurance?

Dr_Kolossus

Look, it's probably hard to do, but just call around to them again. Say what's the story with the basketball net, its driving me insane, thought we agreed it wouldn't be left out all the time. I know the kids love it, but the noise means I can't watch tv, am constantly looking out for kids when parking.

Wouldn't bother mentioning insurance.

You need to agree times that it will be out, I. E. When their kids are playing,. Anytime its left out call over to them, ask what's the story, this isn't what we agreed.

If you really want you could buy a football net, stick it in the green, to placate the kids.

You are not in the wrong here. Make yourself a nuisance, if you start letting it slide, it will continue

lawred2

Del2005 wrote: »

Who pays the insurance? Because nearly all new estates are now private it is easy for a council to say that they have to have a play ground, but will the council or the residents have to pay the insurance?

this isn't true either - well for Fingal at least - planning permission is not being granted for private estates behind gates. New estates are mixed tenure/purpose and are being taken in by the council.

Toots

Speaking of insurance claims, can the kids access your garden? If so, I'd look at putting a gate or something in to stop it. All you need is little Jimmy from down the road falling in your drive when he comes in to get the basket ball, and next thing you know the parents are putting in a claim against you.

PhoenixParker

Might be worth a chat with a local councillor about getting a hoop and suitable surface installed on the green.

98q76e12hrflnk

PhoenixParker wrote: »

Might be worth a chat with a local councillor about getting a hoop and suitable surface installed on the green.

Where thr fk do you live that stuff could get done?

stargazer 68

declan2693 wrote: »

Where thr fk do you live that stuff could get done?

Local elections coming up. Time for a chat with the next one that knocks on the door. Usually pretty good at acting on things when they want your vote!

mickdw

declan2693 wrote: »

PhoenixParker wrote: »

Might be worth a chat with a local councillor about getting a hoop and suitable surface installed on the green.

Where thr fk do you live that stuff could get done?

Local elections coming up..... these kind of things can get done overnight.

Tell me how

Adults: "Kids these days don't go outside and play anymore, they're stuck on their phones or watching TV or in bed"
Same adults: "I don't want anyone playing near my house!"

I get the frustration but really, how often are they going to be there? I notice it in my estate that the groups of kids go through phases of hanging out in one spot and them seem to migrate to another a week later. Not to mention they do spend most of the day in school most of the year.
There is often kids outside my gate who use a sloped footpath to ride down on bikes or skateboards. You have to pay close attention to make sure one of them doesn't forget or panic and run or fall out in front of you, but, it takes like an extra 6 seconds to drive past.

Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on your view) the novelty of the basketball hoop will likely wear off after a while.

P.S., If you buy them a basketball and ask them to please mind your car, you'd be surprised how it might work.

seamus

Reverse into your driveway. Problem solved in terms of danger when you're leaving the house. Pull down the blinds when you're watching TV.

There's fvck all you can do here except get a reputation as the crotchety old killjoy. Even if the neighbour was to bring it in at night and out in the morning, they'll do that every day all summer.

You could also move the hoop and park your car in the turning circle. Very passive aggressive though

AulWan

upinsmoke wrote: »

If that was me it would be gone missing in the middle of the night or anytime it's put outside my house it would be put on the owners doorstep.

I was going to say the same. No way I would tolerate this, I would move the hoop to the end of their driveway, and move it again anytime it was pushed back.

You are entitled to the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of your home.

ted1

Del2005 wrote: »

Who pays the insurance? Because nearly all new estates are now private it is easy for a council to say that they have to have a play ground, but will the council or the residents have to pay the insurance?

The mgmt company does. The same way to cover insurance for other public areas.

As Ireland moves towards families living in apartments the councils realised that they needed to ensure there was amenities for young residents to play

https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/design_standards_for_new_apartments_-_guidelines_for_planning_authorities_2018.pdf

gozunda

It's an insurance problem waiting to happen. Either child gets hurt or Injured / hit by a car / broken window etc etc

And from what you say the area is residential- not an open space so would most likley constitute a nuisance with regard to the council etc

Skip the neighbour. Detail problem to management committee. As soon as they see the word insurance - it will be dealt with.

Tell me how

AulWan wrote: »

I was going to say the same. No way I would tolerate this, I would move the hoop to the end of their driveway, and move it again anytime it was pushed back.

You are entitled to the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of your home.

That entitlement doesn't extend to inhibiting how your neighbours live their lives or use public spaces and breaking the law.

strandroad

You say that they put it in front of your drive even though they live next door. Would it make a different to your comfort if they put it in front of theirs? Or would it be largely the same? Realistically this is what you can expect to happen if you keep raising it with them. It's not fair but looks like you're outvoted and moving it around the turning space is all you can achieve.

AulWan

Tell me how wrote: »

That entitlement doesn't extend to inhibiting how your neighbours live their lives or use public spaces and breaking the law.

Yet their actions are inhibiting how the OP lives his/her life? The OP states they can't use their front room or watch TV during the day because of the noise. That's simply not on.

The neighbours have absolutely no right to plonk a basketball hoop outside that causes constant disturbance to the OP. Where do people get off thinking they can do stuff like this.

Suit them better to get of their lazy asses and take their kids off out to somewhere there is a basketball court, if they want to play basketball, instead of annoying and inconveniencing their neighbour.

OP, I'd ask for a copy of their insurance policy for the hoop that covers your car against damage, as you say it keeps getting banged with basketballs. Basketballs are heavy and could cause quite a dent.

Tell me how

AulWan wrote: »

Yet their actions are inhibiting how the OP lives his/her life? The OP states they can't use their front room or watch TV during the day because of the noise. That's simply not on.

The neighbours have absolutely no right to plonk a basketball hoop outside that causes constant disturbance to the OP. Where do people get off thinking they can do stuff like this.

Suit them better to get of their lazy asses and take their kids off out to somewhere there is a basketball court, if they want to play basketball, instead of annoying and inconveniencing their neighbour.

OP, I'd ask for a copy of their insurance policy for the hoop that covers your car against damage, as you say it keeps getting banged with basketballs. Basketballs are heavy and could cause quite a dent.

This is getting insane.

Every other day of the week we have threads about how ridiculous the compo culture is in this country and on this thread we seem to have most people in favour of invoking insurance issues why kids cannot play as kids should.

I'm not living where the OP is so I cannot say the extent to which this is a disturbance, but, not being able to use a room during the day because kids are playing outside sounds more of a choice than a serious problem.

My neighbour cuts the lawn and while he is doing that, I cannot sit outside chatting to someone on the phone. Should I steel his lawnmower or tell him that the decibel level is too loud and he needs to provide ear defenders for everyone in the estate?

Dial Hard

AulWan wrote: »

Yet their actions are inhibiting how the OP lives his/her life? The OP states they can't use their front room or watch TV during the day because of the noise. That's simply not on.

The neighbours have absolutely no right to plonk a basketball hoop outside that causes constant disturbance to the OP. Where do people get off thinking they can do stuff like this.

Suit them better to get of their lazy asses and take their kids off out to somewhere there is a basketball court, if they want to play basketball, instead of annoying and inconveniencing their neighbour.

OP, I'd ask for a copy of their insurance policy for the hoop that covers your car against damage, as you say it keeps getting banged with basketballs. Basketballs are heavy and could cause quite a dent.

Jesus, these threads really bring out the miserable killjoys. Let's say the neighbours take away the basketball hoop and the kids just decide to play football outside his house all day every day instead, what's he going to do then? Complain about that too? On what basis?

"Where do people get off thinking they can do something like this?" Honest to god :rolleyes:

is_that_so

Dial Hard wrote: »

Jesus, these threads really bring out the miserable killjoys. Let's say the neighbours take away the basketball hoop and the kids just decide to play football outside his house all day every day instead, what's he going to do then? Complain about that too? On what basis?

"Where do people get off thinking they can do something like this?" Honest to god :rolleyes:

If they are playing football they'll be on the green!

Edgware

mickdw wrote: »

Local elections coming up..... these kind of things can get done overnight.

No they cannot. If Council put it up they take responsibility for maintenance, insurance etc.
They wont put it up in an area where vehicles have access.

AulWan

Playing football on the green is fine. That's what greens are for.

Putting a basketball hoop outside someone's driveway, causing them to have a constant issue with safe access to their driveway and a signficant noise disturbance is not.

Is it so hard to have a little consideration for your neighbours' peaceful enjoyment of their homes? Honest to God.

mrmanire

I wasn't expecting so many replies this quickly being honest so I'm going to try and reply to a few. Just to clarify that we did engage with the family already and even though we didn't come to an agreement, we did finish the discussion amicably. Just shocked and disappointed that it's reappeared after they stated they'd have a chat before they considered taking it out again. I'd imagine they have a 'it's terrible the kids can't play today in the nice weather mindset'. I'm convinced they think we are cranky neighbours and they are helping the area. Good intentions to be fair.

Caranica wrote: »

If the council has taken the estate in charge then the road is public and they've placed an obstruction on it? Can't be legal

That's a key point I want to find out about. If it is, it would give the option of going to the council and if they fob us off, a solicitor's letter could be sent asking them why they aren't enforcing health and safety etc. That's a solution I'd rather not take. There is no managment company now. Estate is taken in by the council. Resident's Association collects fees to get the greens mowed.

Toots wrote: »

Speaking of insurance claims, can the kids access your garden? If so, I'd look at putting a gate or something in to stop it. All you need is little Jimmy from down the road falling in your drive when he comes in to get the basket ball, and next thing you know the parents are putting in a claim against you.

They can't access the back garden. Out front we have a drive that can hold two cars and a small bit of grass. I'm not too worried about that being honest even though I am worried about a basketball (they can be quite heavy) denting a car. Some close calls while I've been here but nothing impacted while I've been home.

PhoenixParker wrote: »

Might be worth a chat with a local councillor about getting a hoop and suitable surface installed on the green.

I was considering that. I would mean putting a surface on the green, may be more expensive than you'd think and you just don't see the council providing it for other estates about here. Not sure if it's cost or insurance. I can't see a Councillor getting that done despite all the platitutes we'd get at the door.

seamus wrote: »

Reverse into your driveway. Problem solved in terms of danger when you're leaving the house. Pull down the blinds when you're watching TV.

There's fvck all you can do here except get a reputation as the crotchety old killjoy. Even if the neighbour was to bring it in at night and out in the morning, they'll do that every day all summer.

You could also move the hoop and park your car in the turning circle. Very passive aggressive though

I fully understand that some neighbours think we are a killjoy if we give out but the alternative of having a public play area outside my house (and nobody elses) every day for the whole Summer is worse.I shouldn't have to close my blinds and blinds aren't going to stop the noise. Basketballs (plural and most evenings 3 plus) make a lot more noise than a football and are constantly bounced. Blinds or no blinds, you can't watch TV or use front of the house. I do fully understand your point of view and admit it may be the one taken by a lot of neighbours but it is one that's easier to take when it's not outside your house.

AulWan wrote: »

Yet their actions are inhibiting how the OP lives his/her life? The OP states they can't use their front room or watch TV during the day because of the noise. That's simply not on.

The neighbours have absolutely no right to plonk a basketball hoop outside that causes constant disturbance to the OP. Where do people get off thinking they can do stuff like this.

Suit them better to get of their lazy asses and take their kids off out to somewhere there is a basketball court, if they want to play basketball, instead of annoying and inconveniencing their neighbour.

OP, I'd ask for a copy of their insurance policy for the hoop that covers your car against damage, as you say it keeps getting banged with basketballs. Basketballs are heavy and could cause quite a dent.

I agree with the above. I do want to sort this with the least hassle possible and without falling out with neighbours plus getting a reputation as cranky arses from everyone else. I get the impression if I raise the insurance worries with the residents' association, this will get sorted as my neighbour wouldn't want to keep the pretence of not doing the right and safe thing then. That's an option down the road though. I just want to see what else I can do and if I have a leg to stand on.

Being honest, my wife is very upset. We would consider moving if this was to happen long term. That may seem dramatic but it's really impacting on our quality of life in this house. I absolutely love this area aside from this issue.

listermint

Do you have kids ? I do realise this is kinda personal question. However its appropriate. Because i would garner your view would / will be entirely different if your own kids were involved.

And what i mean is youd appreciate knowing where they are and keeping an eye on them when they are having harmless fun.

Moving out of an area for this is extreme. But also think of the wider long term implications should you have kids come into the picture.

Del2005

ted1 wrote: »

The mgmt company does. The same way to cover insurance for other public areas.

As Ireland moves towards families living in apartments the councils realised that they needed to ensure there was amenities for young residents to play

https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/design_standards_for_new_apartments_-_guidelines_for_planning_authorities_2018.pdf

The insurance for a play ground is massive compared to general public liability. The development next to me had a playground installed by contractors in the wrong development, its been sitting rusting away as the complex can't afford the insurance. So how will these complexes with mandatory play areas get cover? The councils are now forcing people to pay massive management fees to cover the fact that they aren't supplying public amenities.

Tell me how

mrmanire wrote: »

I agree with the above. I do want to sort this with the least hassle possible and without falling out with neighbours plus getting a reputation as cranky arses from everyone else. I get the impression if I raise the insurance worries with the residents' association, this will get sorted as my neighbour wouldn't want to keep the pretence of not doing the right and safe thing then. That's an option down the road though. I just want to see what else I can do and if I have a leg to stand on.

Being honest, my wife is very upset. We would consider moving if this was to happen long term. That may seem dramatic but it's really impacting on our quality of life in this house. I absolutely love this area aside from this issue.

I'm a member of the residents association in my estate and if you came to me with this I'd say it was not for the association to get involved. If you have an issue with your neighbour, you resolve it.

Why would an association tick off the parents of x number of children because one parent is being excessively sensitive?

mrmanire

listermint wrote: »

Do you have kids ? I do realise this is kinda personal question. However its appropriate. Because i would garner your view would / will be entirely different if your own kids were involved.

And what i mean is youd appreciate knowing where they are and keeping an eye on them when they are having harmless fun.

Moving out of an area for this is extreme. But also think of the wider long term implications should you have kids come into the picture.

No kids yet but hopefully in the future. I do appreciate this would have an impact in the future if we stayed here.

I also appreciate how if there was a hoop down the other end of the estate, they'd still rather having the kids outside. I get that and I get that how they would like to see their kids outside their house.

The conflict is that the fun isn't harmless and their is a lot more noise pollution than you'd expect. This isn't me being a curtain twitching kill joy. Genuinely, the rooms in the front of the house aren't useable with it there. I'm not exageratting.

I do understand implications for relationships here and also for when we have our own kids but the alternative of just giving in and leaving it there isn't right either. Just trying to find a solution to remove it with as little drama as possible. We tried to discuss and come to a half way point but the neighbours have ignored that now.

AulWan

listermint wrote: »

Do you have kids ? I do realise this is kinda personal question. However its appropriate. Because i would garner your view would / will be entirely different if your own kids were involved.

Why would you assume that? I have kids and I would not agree with the neighbours' actions at all. Plus its not harmless fun when it is causing someone else a constant disturbance.

No wonder there are so many precious little Johnnys running around these days when they are obviously not learning to have consideration for other people in their own homes from their parents.

mrmanire

Tell me how wrote: »

I'm a member of the residents association in my estate and if you came to me with this I'd say it was not for the association to get involved. If you have an issue with your neighbour, you resolve it.

Why would an association tick off the parents of x number of children because one parent is being excessively sensitive?

I'd fully expect that response from the association. The other neighbour is involved in it. The kids play on the green possibly only a meter or two further away again and make lots of noise and this is no issue.

If you couldn't hear your TV for eight hours every day for a whole Summer in your home; would you think having an issue with that is 'excessively sensitive'. I've no issue with kids playing and making noise. I love to see this but there is a distinction between usual kids' noise and essentially a basket ball hoop 5 meters from your front door. It's far louder than you'd imagine.

I completely get your sentiment but you're not sitting listening to what essentially sounds like a drum kit eight hours a day. If there was an accomodation and it was an hour a day (they'd have to pull and out the hoop) or one the day a week. That's fine. Every day it's not pouring rain, not so much.

AulWan

Tell me how wrote: »

I'm a member of the residents association in my estate and if you came to me with this I'd say it was not for the association to get involved. If you have an issue with your neighbour, you resolve it.

Why would an association tick off the parents of x number of children because one parent is being excessively sensitive?

No obvious bias there.

As far as I'm aware, Residents Associations are supposed to represent all their residents, not just those they agree with, and fob off the rest.

Its easy to be blase and label the OP as being "excessively sensitive" when its not happening outside your door.

Busi_Girl08

Probably not going to make a massive different, but would you consider bringing over the neighbours in question to your house and have them in the sitting room during 'peak' noise time? They might not realise just how bad it is.

mrmanire

I just attached a little map there. Can't believe I've done that! To the far left is a stream (fully barriered off) but it stops the use of the hoop at end of the cul-de-sac as the wall would be straight into the water which is fair enough.

mrmanire

Busi_Girl08 wrote: »

Probably not going to make a massive different, but would you consider bringing over the neighbours in question to your house and have them in the sitting room during 'peak' noise time? They might not realise just how bad it is.

We already were in their house. They've not been over. They did agree that there is a lot of noise which was surprising. I didn't expect them to admit. However, their kids play basketball with a local club so they need it there to practice apparently. That and the benefit to the community and being able to see the kids there kind of supercedes the noise pollution in their view.

Tell me how

AulWan wrote: »

No obvious bias there.

As far as I'm aware, Residents Associations are supposed to represent all their residents, not just those they agree with, and fob off the rest.

Its easy to be blase and label the OP as being "excessively sensitive" when its not happening outside your door.

Yes, and I would expect the majority of residents are happy to see the children of the estate being able to play outside.

mrmanire

Tell me how wrote: »

Yes, and I would expect the majority of residents are happy to see the children of the estate being able to play outside.

Indeed they are but it's not infringing on the comfort in their homes. Grand when it's down outside someone else's house.

beauf

Tell me how wrote: »

Yes, and I would expect the majority of residents are happy to see the children of the estate being able to play outside.

Especially if it's outside someone else's house....

Censored11

I was going to say that interest in Basketball comes & goes, and this wont be long term.
You've mentioned there though that their kids are in a Basketball club so I'm afraid you just got a bad hand with the people living beside you and your stuck with "bounce bounce bounce" banging through your head, especially coming in to the summer.
Its like families that have kids that are into playing the drums and other annoying sh!t.
Thats their thing.
Neighbours are fooked!
Suck it up and learn to accept this is how things are, or move or carry the hoop off in the dark of night.
Sorry for your situation.

Toots

If their kids need it to practice, why can't they put it in their back garden? I certainly wouldn't expect my kids to be able to use the public road as a basketball court, and just plonk a hoop out there. Especially if a neighbour had knocked in to say it was causing a disturbance.

Unpleasant as it may be, I think you need to either call in again or else write to them and see can ye come to some solution.

Citizens Info had this leaflet, which may be useful, but probably won't do much to improve neighbourly relations http://www.flac.ie/download/pdf/neighbour_disputes.pdf

Tell me how

mrmanire wrote: »

Indeed they are but it's not infringing on the comfort in their homes. Grand when it's down outside someone else's house.

But something else may have been infringing on some of them last week or will be next week. Things change, something else will take the childrens attention, they'll move on to something else most likely.

There's an old lady who lives on her own in our estate, she always helps with clean up and says it's nice to have the place looking well and to be safe for children to play there. She says she loves the sound of children playing, it makes her feel good.

Yes, you feel it is an inconvenience, but it is likely the majority in the estate like the idea of a community such as that.

mrmanire

Toots wrote: »

If their kids need it to practice, why can't they put it in their back garden? I certainly wouldn't expect my kids to be able to use the public road as a basketball court, and just plonk a hoop out there. Especially if a neighbour had knocked in to say it was causing a disturbance.

Unpleasant as it may be, I think you need to either call in again or else write to them and see can ye come to some solution.

Citizens Info had this leaflet, which may be useful, but probably won't do much to improve neighbourly relations http://www.flac.ie/download/pdf/neighbour_disputes.pdf

The basketball hoop has been in their garden for the last two months (it went into a shed during the storms in the winter). You can still hear the basketball but the noise isn't so bad as the dividing wall and proximity to their house soaks up most of the noise. Less kids also. Our main living areas are to the front so don't really mind the limited noise. If they were playing it in their back garden and I was out reading a book in mine; I'd suck it up. They are well entitled to use their garden as they wish.

Their back garden doesn't have enough space to play a game though. It's only good for practicing shots. You can have a full 4 on 4 game out the front now. We have mentioned we have zero issue with noise in back garden. Doesn't impact as much and it's their property.

I think this may require talking to them again but I worry about the next steps where they stone wall us. Any half way point between would mean the hoop being taken in and out regularly and they won't be bothered doing this due to the size. Once it's in a public area, everyone can use it so they can't restrict it's usage when it's in the bay. This leaves an unforunate position where it's either remove it full stop or leave it full terms as they won't compromise on time restricting it.