Cracks appear at 'nightmare' build

BLOCKED drain . . . in Huddersfield Road

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RESIDENTS have hit out over a "nightmare" development in Delph.

The Bakestones project, which began around three years ago, sees 46 houses backing onto the A62 Huddersfield Road.

Sara Orritt (29), of Huddersfield Road, criticised contractors Construction Partnership UK for unfinished parking spaces and damage.

CPUK said they aim to keep the impact on residents to a minimum though some disruption will occur on major projects.

They added that they would contact Ms Orritt to address her concerns.

Ms Orritt said: "The access lane still doesn't have a proper road surface on it even though it is used by around 80 properties.

"It is littered with potholes and raised grids sticking up.

"Vehicles are forced to back out onto the A62 which is really unsafe.

"The pavements are inadequate and unfinished.

"The 13 numbered marked car park bays, as outlined in the planning permission, have not been completed.

"It is a mud swamp and has been a nightmare to live with."

With help from friends and family, Ms Orritt spent 17 months renovating her home before moving into the property in November 2013.

She claimed that cracks appeared on internal walls in her house, which dates back to the mid-1800s, after CPUK began the development.

Damage

Ms Orritt said: "The inadequate geological survey performed has led to ongoing damage to my property.

"Heavy ground works in summer 2014 cracked several of my newly-plastered walls which was extremely upsetting.

"CPUK have acted unprofessionally.

"My next-door neighbour put her house on the market and left.

"The lady on the end of my row has just put her house on the market because she cannot handle it any more."

CPUK managing director Stephen Burke said: "While we always try to ensure the impact on our neighbours is kept to a minimum, and pride ourselves on the exceptional reputation we have in this respect, unfortunately it is almost inevitable that some disruption will occur when major construction projects are undertaken. Ms Orritt is well known to our site team and I can confirm that her various isolated complaints have been acknowledged and dealt with promptly and courteously at site level over the past two years.

"I will arrange to make contact to meet with Ms Orritt at her convenience to address any existing issues that she may have."

Further complaints were made about the "overwhelmed" grid in Huddersfield, which froze over last winter.

Cllr Fida Hussain, cabinet member for environmental services, said: "The gullies have been left in the footway to help remove any surface water.

"We will continue to monitor these and if there are issues we will ask the developer to remedy them.

"Three of the parking spaces will be transferred in title to the occupiers of properties as compensation - one for the loss of a disabled bay and the other two so the access road could be widened.

"The remaining nine spaces will be adopted by the local authority for use by the general public.

"We have told the developer that these spaces should be kept clear wherever possible.

"Unfortunately inconsiderate drivers are still continuing to park on Huddersfield Road.

"To remedy this situation we are looking to introduce parking measures on this stretch of Huddersfield Road and these have been advertised on site."