+1 what secman and VOR have said and as follows; -
Normally the developer must lay a garden including subsoils drainage where required.
This includes removal of rock, importation of topsoil, rolling, seeding etc.
This usually isn't optional, its normally part of the planning permission.
The fact that this hasn't been done raises concerns about drains etc.
He may also have been required to install party fencing to the rear.
You may find he was obliged to have installed boundary walls too.
We saw the disgraceful condition of several estates last night on Primetime and that's not how sites should be left.
If there are very large rocks 300mm-600mm the builder should have removed these and any builders debris from the site before handover.
If there are ditches dischargign water onto your land these normally should be culverted and filled in as they provide harbourage for rats and convey effluent and run off.
If the above doesn't apply or the developer has done a runner you should start by undertaking a Health and Safety check of the land to make sure its not contaminated.
Don't ask me what it might be contaminated with - its your land - ditch run off not properly culverted, sewers not properly sealed, septic tanks overflowing, bits of old barbed wire, weedkiller, DDT - you name it: use protective equipment and handle objects with care.
You could seek an assurance from the developer/ his builder/ his engineer/ his solicitor that the land is okay - contaminated land might not be covered by any certs for the building per se.
That having been said, and bearing in mind we don't know the specific site or its problems, you could start by removing the larger rocks and any builders debris - this will just hamper the rotavator if not done before hand.
Plasterboard and gypsum products must be taken off the land to a recycler.
After that rotavate the land which will loosen more or smaller rocks for you to remove or make a rockery with if they look okay - cost reductions will follow if you can reuse materials.
Follow on by raking level and importing topsoil, seeding and rolling.
Apply weedkiller as required and as advised by the manufacturer.
Select grass and weedkiller suitable for new house sites.
Its tough work - allow time and seek help if required.
ONQ.
[broken link removed]
All advice on AAM is remote from the situation and cannot be relied upon as a defence or support - in and of itself - should legal action be taken.
Competent legal and building professionals should be asked to advise in Real Life with rights to inspect and issue reports on the matters at hand.
