Major Landslip at Dunedine Homes Development in West Midlands

A concerning situation unfolding at a new build development in Cradley Heath, West Midlands, has brought attention to the crucial need for thorough ground stability assessments and professional snagging inspections before purchasing new build properties.

Homeowners of properties valued up to £400,000 find themselves in a precarious position after a significant landslip has effectively cut off vehicular access to twelve homes in their cul-de-sac. The situation began deteriorating in March last year when an initial wall collapse occurred, and recent adverse weather conditions have exacerbated the problem, resulting in tonnes of earth sliding onto the access road.

Engineer Reece Aleksander, 33, describes the situation as a "nightmare," noting that his driveway has been inaccessible since the initial wall failure. "We're certainly starting to get worried about it creeping further to where our garden is - it could end up breaking our garden wall and coming into our kitchen," he explains.

The landslip represents just one of several concerns that have emerged at the development. Despite being built five years ago, the estate still lacks functioning street lighting, though the infrastructure has been installed. This combination of accessibility issues and inadequate lighting has created significant safety concerns for residents.

Firefighter Rachael Howard, 34, emphasises the severity of the situation: "Over Christmas, with all those storms we had, seeing people carrying newborns and small children past it - it's dangerous. It's getting worse and worse that now it's on the pavements."

The developer, Dunedin Homes, has acknowledged their responsibility as landowner to address the slope's stability, though they "do not accept any liability for the slope failure." Work to stabilise the area began in December but was suspended during the Christmas period.

This situation exemplifies the complex nature of responsibility and accountability in new build developments. While Sandwell Council has expressed sympathy for residents' concerns, they note that as a private development, their direct intervention capabilities are limited.