Cracks and Safety Concerns
Residents living near a nightmare newbuild estate in Darwin Green, Cambridgeshire, where 80 homes are being bulldozed, fear that their own homes could be next. The homes, purchased for prices ranging from £575,000 to £850,000 in 2019, are reportedly covered in deep cracks. Barratt and David Wilson Homes, the developers responsible for the 1,593 new homes, claim that they are safe. However, recent issues with the foundations of neighboring homes have left residents worried.
Extended Warranties Offered, But Residents Remain Concerned
Developers have offered extended warranties to those already living on the development in an attempt to ease their concerns. However, residents are still worried about the safety and stability of their homes. Some have noticed cracks in their social housing blocks and have expressed frustration at the lack of attention given to tenants compared to homeowners. Others who moved into their properties during Phase One of the development have been assured that their homes are unaffected, but they find it difficult to believe the builders.
Environmental and Health Concerns
Residents are not only concerned about the structural integrity of their homes but also about the environmental impact of demolishing the neighboring properties. They worry about the amount of dust that will be thrown up during the demolition and how it will affect their children's health. Many residents are frustrated with the developers' response and feel that their customer service has been poor.
Developer's Response
Barratt David Wilson Cambridgeshire has responded to the concerns, stating that the cracking issue is isolated to a new section of the development and that the existing properties are not affected. Independent engineering firms have reviewed the designs of the existing properties and offered further reassurance to residents. To provide additional comfort, the developers have offered all Phase One residents an additional 15-year warranty on top of the existing 10-year warranty. The developers claim that there is no foundation cracking in any of the houses and that the small amount of non-structural cracking is due to shrinkage and settlement, which will be rectified.
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