Neighbours complaining about noisy dc in garden

[Xmasinthegarden]

We got the dc (8 and 5) a lot of presents for the garden (mud kitchen , outdoor toys, football/goals basketball hoop etc) they both have AuDHD and need to let off steam in the fresh air.

They were in the garden 10-1. Then back out again after lunch 230-430.

We had had a text from the neighbours at 115pm saying ‘we have guests today and would appreciate a little less noise from the garden thanks’ which I ignored but when the dc went back out at 230pm we had them knocking and telling us that they have family there and some are quite elderly and want peace and quiet and their niece has a newborn and all the commotion from our garden is very irritating as they are trying to relax in their conservatory. I said that the dc were not being that noisy and they wouldn’t be out there past 430 anyway. They said if this happens again tomorrow they will file a ‘noise complaint’ and may call the police!

The dc were just playing, not screaming or fighting. Just running about. Some ball bouncing yes but nothing terrible. They play out pretty much every day and this hasn’t been an issue before ? The neighbours moved in Feb this year so obviously it’s their first Xmas here but they would have known our dc play out a lot ?

They have text now with a ‘gentle reminder - tomorrow needs to be a calm peaceful day. Thanks for your cooperation’ wtf !!!

AIBU to ignore this ? We are home in the morning them leaving at 1230 to see my parents so if the dc play in the garden it wont be for that long just 2/3 hours in the morning.

Both my neighbours have dogs. Every bloody night at the same time, their dogs are out for a pee. The barking is soooo irritating!!

I would absolutely love them to call the police!

yes hello two small children are playing in their garden next door arrest them

I can see both sides of this because my DD and I are ASD, so we are very sensitive to noise, and my DS has ADHD so he creates a lot of noise.

It’s wonderful that you get your DC outside a lot, and mostly I think the neighbours need to put with it because children need to be able to have fun outside in their garden.

However, I do think a little compromise/flexibility from time to time if they are having elderly relatives over etc, is a good thing for neighbourly relationships. They have approached it totally the wrong way though. They should have come and had a conversation, rather than threatening the police on you! I also think that more noise and excitement is part and parcel of Christmas Day.

In general, I do agree that a trip to the park from time to time would be a nice thing to do to give your neighbours some reprieve. I also have one of the soft foam balls for my DS and it’s great, and really saves my nervous system!

They are only asking for peace and quiet for one day for specific reason, sounds like they are very tolerant the rest of the year. How is that not having a sense of reality? I guess they won't be so tolerant going forward though if the OP can't do this one thing they have requested just because she is so entitled and has no concept of how loud her children actually are..

Dog barking is such a horrible noise isnt it!

5 hours with kids running about outside! No wonder they’re upset. Have a heart, eh. Specially if there are elderly people staying.

Yeah, completely unreasonable for them to think they might have a little break from the constant noise. As you say, they can just go to another room. You're completely within your rights to make their lives miserable.

Truly, doesn't help that they both let them out at the same bloody time 🙄 every night 😂. Makes me feel less bad about my kids being out there in the summer though lol.

Sponge balls ordered 👍🏻

OP your children are entitled to play out in the garden and it doesn’t sound as if they are shrieking or screaming. Keep on utilizing your garden and letting your children play outdoors as much as they want. The only thing that I’d be careful of is a basketball bouncing on concrete or banging against the frame for long periods of time. If you don’t allow your children out in the morning, the neighbours will think they are in control and you will be getting continual messages telling you when your children can and can’t play in your garden.

Wow. Are you for real?

you have incredibly tolerant neighbours. You might want to think about what happens when you continue to take the piss and they reach their limit.

Well perhaps that shows just how loud the noise is?

As you said, your kids play out pretty much every day and your neighbours have never complained before, so sounds like they are very reasonable.

It is you who seems to lack consideration - when they sent you a text they just asked for less noise, they didn't say your kids couldn't play out in the garden and yet you chose to ignore it?

Best hope your neighbour doesn't get a dog.

God forbid she actually manages her children’s disruptive behaviour and it’s the neighbours who have to bend over backwards to accommodate them. Shoot them down for wanting a single day without feral kids breaching the peace. They’ve tolerated it for months by the sound of it, give them one day. It’s Christmas!!

I’m not sure the bouncing was the issue or just the fact they were outside at all today? I’ve ordered some sponge balls anyway . They won’t be here tomorrow but going forwards if that was the issue it means the dc still get their routine and toys and neighbours won’t hear bouncing (if that was a factor?)

It’s not an issue if they get a dog? My dc aren’t bothered by barking just actual dogs near them and I’ve already said our fences are high and secure so wouldn’t bother me at all ?

what is the goal net and hoop against?

unless your kids are screaming and screeching then ignore this.

your neighbours are being totally unreasonable

The goals were just on the grass they are little pop up goal nets that you secure with metal pegs. The basketball hoop was just by a paved area

Yes so does my NDN. It’s a massive aggressive malinois that’s relentless. It throws itself at the fence trying to get to me every time I move.

Thats the thing. We are all different. What you find easy to cope with others don’t. Clearly there’s an issue for the NDN to have complained multiple times.

5 hours of constant noise is a lot. If they can hear them with windows shut it is louder than you are implying

What would happen ? Other posters have said the police wouldn’t be interested ?

Like everything in life, it’s about balance, moderation and respect for others. None of which you seem to have, OP?
Yes the law is on your side when it comes to noise from children playing - on paper. However if the neighbours consistently report excessive noise frequently and repeatedly, the local authority will eventually agree to place audio recording equipment on/between the boundary and the level of noise will then be determined by them, as to whether or not there’s any nuisance. And yes, once it’s reached that point, even if it is just child noise, if it is LOUD and frequent, then it will be considered in breach of your neighbours’ legal right to ‘Peaceful Enjoyment’ of their home. It will also be considered a neighbour dispute which legally must be declared whenever you come to sell your property OP. Even if that’s not for a number of years.

Have some consideration for your neighbours, besides, you never know when you may need them in a crisis….