A row has broken out between residents of a Staffordshire town and a housing developer after properties on a new estate were built “too high.”
Residents on Ness Grove, in Cheadle had issued complaints to Persimmon Homes that the properties now overlooking them had been built 2.4-metres higher than the agreed plans, reports StokeOnTrentLive.
A narrower footpath adjacent to The Gables to make room for an acoustic fence and new retaining walls had been proposed as potential solutions.
Councillors slammed the housing developer’s actions as “disgusting” as Persimmon Homes has returned to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council seeking permission for the new retaining walls.
The housing development caused a row among neighbours
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Speaking on behalf of Persimmon Homes Northwest Ltd, Ross Meachin told councillors: “We acknowledge there have been a number of issues and those issues have caused delays and inconvenience for residents.
“We’ve listened to your concerns and we listened to the concerns of residents and we’re taking action to address them.
“I can assure you changes have been made to process and procedures to ensure that something like this won’t happen again. Since the last committee we’ve worked hard to find a solution for everyone; this has included offering compensation to residents for the inconvenience caused by the proposed works.
“I’ve personally coordinated correspondence of various meetings with residents on-site to address concerns raised at this committee. We’ve worked hard since the last committee to address concerns by members, we’ve actively engaged with all affected residents.”
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The view from Ness Grove, with the housing development spotted in the background
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He continued: “We know from that engagement that residents are keen to get this matter sorted as quickly as possible.”
Leader of the Conservative Group Councillor Paul Roberts said: “It was disgusting, and I think all the committee agreed it was disgusting, that a big developer should leave a fence and fences like that.
“I’d like to thank you for listening to what this committee says. We don’t say things lightly – we want what’s best for the residents.”
Tory Councillor for Leek West Ben Emery added: “It’s a great thing that Persimmon has come along, accepted its shortcomings, and says it will improve to be a better firm handling people’s housing.”
Speaking when the row first erupted in 2023, resident Tina Cross said people upstairs in the new homes were able to see her sitting on her bed.
“The houses have been built too high and too close, invading our privacy,” she said.
