Residents who invested substantial sums, up to £300,000, in new homes on the Broad Lea development near Worcester are expressing profound dissatisfaction, claiming they were ‘sold a dream but are living in a nightmare.’
Allegedly, a litany of construction issues plagues these homes, encompassing problems such as flooding, electrical faults, foul drain odors, ill-fitting doors, windows, and carpets, as well as deteriorating brickwork.
Despite the residents’ persistent complaints, their concerns about the condition of their homes have reportedly been unheeded for two years.
Residents’ Legal Action Against Developers
In response to their grievances, residents of the shared-ownership development have banded together to form the Broad Lea and Oldbury Road Residents Group.
Their frustration has reached a point where they are pursuing legal action against Platform, the landowners, and United Living, the developers responsible for the estate’s completion in 2021.
The residents have extensively documented their issues through pictures and videos, capturing instances such as water flooding from sinks, concerns over sewage odors linked to drainage problems, and poorly installed carpets and brickwork.
Dodgy plumbing has also allegedly caused bathroom flooding, resulting in damp patches on the ceilings downstairs, while inadequate drainage in backyards causes rainwater to pool, creating ‘craters’ and flooding lawns and flower beds.
Additionally, residents have reported unfinished roads outside their homes, riddled with potholes.
Homeowners’ Frustrations and Disillusionment
The homeowners’ experiences have been marked by frustration and disillusionment.
Shaun Barnes, a resident, expressed their sense of being ignored and mistreated, stating that they had complied with all requests made of them but received little assistance.
The shared-ownership concept was initially seen as a promising opportunity to enter the property market, but it has turned into a stressful ordeal, leaving them feeling exploited by large corporations.
During the 12-month defect period, the residents raised concerns about the development, yet few issues were allegedly addressed.
Even after a 24-month defect period, they claim to remain in the same predicament.
Resorting to Legal Action
Facing unresolved problems and perceived indifference from United Living and Platform, the residents have resorted to legal action as a last resort.
Legal proceedings are currently underway, as they see it as the final avenue for seeking a resolution.
The Impact of Shoddy Construction and Resident Advocacy
This situation highlights the severe consequences of subpar construction and the lack of accountability in the housing industry.
Homeowners who invested their savings in what should have been their dream homes are grappling with myriad issues, leading to significant disillusionment and stress.
The formation of a residents’ group and their pursuit of legal action demonstrate the power of collective advocacy and the determination to hold developers accountable for their promises.
It also underscores the importance of robust quality control and oversight in the construction of new homes to prevent such distressing situations from arising in the first place.