Couple's Ashberry Homes Nightmare: £358,000 New Build Marred by 'Horrendous Eyesore'
A Newcastle couple's dream of new build perfection has turned into a nightmare, as they battle with developers over what they describe as a "horrendous eyesore" outside their £358,000 home. Walter Brown and Sharon Kelly moved into their four-bedroom detached property in Balsam Way, Callerton, in December 2022, but their excitement quickly turned to dismay due to ongoing issues with the development's sustainable drainage system (SUDs) area.
Walter Brown, 57, who works for Newcastle City Council, has been locked in a seemingly endless battle with developers since moving in. The couple's primary concern centres on what they describe as "wasteland" at the end of their cul-de-sac in the Ashberry Homes Church View development.
"It's like landfill," Walter explained, his frustration evident. "There are mattresses buried in there, there's rubble. We've emailed, we've been on the phone, we've chased it and we're getting nowhere." The situation has taken a significant emotional toll on the couple, with Walter revealing that his partner Sharon has been reduced to tears over the state of their property's surroundings.
The couple's frustration has been compounded by what they perceive as empty promises from the developers. According to Walter, a Bellway Homes executive visited the site approximately eight weeks ago and assured them that remedial work would be undertaken. However, with Christmas approaching, there remains no sign of the promised clean-up operation.
The problems extend beyond the drainage system area. Walter has identified numerous other issues, including:
A concerning lack of road signs
Multiple "holes" in the street outside their house
Incomplete tarmacking work
Delayed installation of street lighting, which was only completed in the last three months
The contrast between their section of the development and the adjacent Bellway estate has only heightened their disappointment. "You walk around the corner onto Bellway's estate and it's all flat, and it's done to the standard that we thought we were buying into," Walter observed.
Bellway, the parent company of Ashberry Homes, has acknowledged the issues and provided an official response to the situation. A company spokesperson stated: "Bellway has been working to address the concerns of residents relating to the land which has been used by fly-tippers to dispose waste illegally. Our divisional teams have been on site and sub-contractors have been appointed to clean up the site and undertake landscaping works to improve the area concerned."
The company also addressed the specific issue of the SUDs area, explaining: "The SUDs is an area which is a natural surface water drainage area and is designed to provide a natural area within the development. During the winter months, growth dies back and can look unsightly, so we are arranging to tidy up this area."
For Walter and Sharon, their experience has left them questioning their decision to leave their previous home in Chapel Park. "In Chapel Park, there's a really well-established and looked after estate. It's just really nice around there and we wish we had stayed on the estate and bought another house there now, that's what it's come to," Walter reflected.
The couple's story serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls in new build developments and the importance of developers maintaining high standards throughout their sites, not just in show home areas. As they await action from Bellway, Walter and Sharon continue to hope that their dream home will eventually match the expectations they had when making their £358,000 investment.
