Barratt Homes to Demolish and Rebuild Cambridge New Builds due to Foundation Issues
In a turn of events that has stunned the Cambridge housing market, property developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire has announced its decision to demolish 36 of their unoccupied, newly constructed residences.
This drastic measure comes in light of significant foundation failures discovered in the structures, situated at the Darwin Green site in Cambridge. The developer has expressed deep regret over the incident, acknowledging that these homes did not measure up to their quality standards.
The company released a statement through their spokesperson, explaining the decision: "We have unfortunately arrived at the conclusion that the most practical and effective course of action at this stage is to demolish the properties and rebuild them. We understand the inconvenience and disruption this might cause, but the ultimate goal is to ensure the safety and quality of our homes."
Local Liberal Democrat councillor, Cheney Payne, reacting to the shocking revelation, called for an immediate inquiry into the matter to ensure all pertinent issues are adequately addressed.
Cambridge City Council confirmed that they were recently made aware of the foundation failures at the Darwin Green site. Interestingly, the council was not the building control provider for the development. Instead, a private company had been appointed to oversee this crucial aspect of construction.
Council officials reportedly held a meeting with the developer's managing director to comprehend the extent of the problem and to discuss potential next steps. The council expressed its belief that planning permission would be necessary for the proposed demolition and reconstruction works. Accordingly, the developer was advised to submit an application for full planning permission to the local planning authority.
The city council, acting as the local enforcing body, pledged its commitment to work with the developer and local community to ensure that the next phase of works complies with all necessary building regulations. A public consultation has also been planned, aimed at facilitating a platform for local residents and the public at large to voice any concerns or issues they may have regarding the development.
The developer, responding to the story first reported by the Cambridge Independent, reiterated its apologies to the customers affected, acknowledging their potential frustrations. The statement also conveyed the developer's efforts to mitigate the impact of this unfortunate incident on the customers, assuring them that the company is dedicated to rectifying any errors.
The company emphasised that their priority remains the delivery of the highest quality homes to their customers. It stated, "The most important thing is that the homes we build for our customers are of the highest quality possible and this means identifying any mistakes and putting them right, which is what we are doing here."
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of stringent building controls and quality checks in the construction industry, underlining the potential repercussions of failing to meet these standards.
