Fear as Gardens and Driveways Collapse Near 300-Home Ashberry Homes New Build Estate in Nottinghamshire
In the tranquil community of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, a wave of unease has swept through residents as unexpected damage has surfaced in their driveways and gardens. The commencement of construction on a new 300-home estate has led to alarming incidents of ground subsidence, leaving locals concerned about the stability of their properties.
Residents of George Street first noticed significant cracks in their driveways and lawns, with some areas sinking by up to three feet. These unsettling changes have been attributed to the powerful vibrations from diggers involved in the nearby housing development. Despite the developers attributing the issues to heavy rain, the situation has prompted a temporary halt in construction while investigations are carried out.
Eighty-one-year-old Susan Tighe has seen a significant portion of her lawn and driveway vanish into the ground. “It was about two months ago it started, they're just doing the groundwork at the moment," she recounts. “The vibration of the machinery has shaken the earth around the garden. I could just see a crack in the ground. It wouldn’t stop. If they don't do anything about it, it’ll fall into the field.”
Linda Jackson, 74, and her husband Richard, 76, have also voiced their fears. Living on the street for fifty years, they now face a precarious 15-foot drop from their garden due to the digging. “Our garden could slip away. It’s a significant drop. We were overlooking the field but now we’re overlooking a building site. We don't have a right to a view, but we have a right to know what's going on,” Linda said.
The unsettling occurrences aren't isolated to George Street. Residents of nearby Norwood Close have also reported damage. John Whitehead, 70, expressed his anxiety, stating, “We’re really concerned because they have dug 20 feet down at the bottom of our garden. The builders were digging last week and my wall clock was vibrating, so I’m worried it might have damaged my house.”
Ashberry Homes, a subsidiary of Bellway, has acknowledged the issue. A spokesperson said, “We have investigated the root cause of the issue and determined that heavy rain over the weekend has exacerbated this problem. Temporary measures are in place to restrict any further movement, and planned works to provide a permanent retaining structure will commence imminently.”
The Importance of Snagging Inspections
Amidst the chaos, the significance of snagging inspections becomes increasingly apparent. A snagging inspection thoroughly checks for any defects or issues in a new build property before the owner moves in, ensuring that the construction quality meets the required standards. This not only provides peace of mind but also helps avoid unexpected and costly repairs in the future. Ensuring that your new home has been properly inspected can save you from distress and disruption.
