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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Joseph Locker

Anger over new build estate in Wollaton left in a 'terrible' condition

Residents and councillors have hit out at a housing developer over "unacceptable" delays in finishing roads, pavements and a playground for children.

The Martin's Reach estate, off Russell Drive, Wollaton, was given the go-ahead in 2019 and the scheme was completed last year.

Avant Homes, the developer behind the estate, is currently building its second scheme in the area known as Woodyard Park.

However, the roads and pavements in the Martin's Reach estate are yet to be properly paved, with mounds of tarmac and uneven elevations proving hazardous for those who live there.

A playground also remains fenced off.

Residents described the situation as "terrible".

Rachel Hopkins, who has lived in Pond Way for just over two years, said: "I've just had a baby so the roads are really bad when I'm pushing the pram.

"People have had trouble with wheelchair access. I do not know when they are supposed to finish them."

A resident of nearby Badger Vale, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "Avant Homes made it clear they are not doing anything with the roads until they have finished the rest of the development on the allotments.

"They sent a note around that it will be done by March, because they still need 2,000 lorry-loads of dirt to come out. I've not got a problem with it, but the question is should they have done it sooner? Yes, they should.

"Someone has had all the profits and all that is left is the cost. Someone needs to drop a bomb in Avant Homes' offices and tell them to get a move on."

Another resident said the condition of the roads and pavements were "bad" considering the prices of the homes.

They range in price from £242,995 for a two-bedroom semi-detached home to £594,995 for a large five-bedroom detached family property.

A small portion of the properties are owned and rented out by Nottingham City Homes.

According to Labour councillors the housing estate was imposed by the national planning department and government "against the wishes of the local community" at the time.

The issues with the unfinished paving and road surfaces have persisted since most of the homes were completed in May of last year.

Nottingham city councillor Steve Battlemuch, who represents Wollaton West for Labour, described the delays as "unacceptable" and said he understands a woman recently had a fall as a result.

He said: "Avant Homes have made a lot of money on this development.

"Clearly when it’s all completed it will be a lovely place to live, with the new allotments central to the estate. However, it’s extremely disappointing that the basics of roads and pavements have taken too long to complete.

"It appears all they wanted to do was get the houses built and sold and the rest could wait. It’s now time for Avant to stop stalling and make the pavements and roads fit to walk, cycle and drive on."

He says the playground was meant to be open last July.

Councillor Zafran Khan, who also represents Wollaton West for Labour, added: "Get it sorted please, Avant Homes. This is seriously eroding people's confidence in the company.

"The residents just want this appalling situation resolved now. They're fed up with the continuous, false promises."

An Avant Homes spokeswoman told Nottinghamshire Live: “We are currently in discussions with Nottingham City Council to progress the remaining works at our Martin’s Reach development.

"These include the site’s road and pavement resurfacing, as well as the completion of the play area.

“Once agreements are in place with the council, we will start to complete the final works in accordance with the obligations outlined in the approved planning permission.”

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