Villagers’ anger at ‘horrendous’ state of road a year after new homes built
RESIDENTS in a Derbyshire village claim a housing developer left their road in a “ridiculous” state and full of potholes while working on a neighbouring scheme.
Danesbury Crescent in Denby had been in an “acceptable” and “good” condition before the development at Pottery Gardens, now overseen by developers Limehouse and Countryside Properties, started more than two years ago, residents say.
Cllr Matthew Waterfall, chair of Denby Parish Council and speaking on behalf of local residents, says damage began to be caused to the road as soon as construction started in spring 2018.
He said damage continued for two years, creating a shocking series of potholes and criss-crossed cracking throughout the road, particularly on the approach to the new development.
Pottery Gardens was completed a year ago but the damage caused to Danesbury Crescent, through which new homeowners must travel, has not been repaired and continues to worsen as potholes and cracks fill with water, said Mr Waterfall.
He said there had been ongoing discussions between Derbyshire County Council and the developers to ensure damages were repaired but he claims these have stalled, leaving local residents in limbo.
Anthony Holt, director of development and asset maximisation for Futures Housing Group which is now managing the affordable home development on behalf of Limehouse and Countryside, said: “We and our contractors take great care during our projects to keep damage to neighbouring areas to a minimum but the nature of construction, which involves transporting equipment and materials, can make this challenging.
“Our policy is to make good when projects are finished and to do this we’re working with Limehouse and Countryside Properties PLC.
“We have now agreed the repairs required with Derbyshire County Council’s highways department, and we are now waiting for the start date to commence works.”
The county council was approached for comment but has not responded at the time of this article’s publication.
Mr Waterfall told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the damaged road had created a “shocking situation” for residents who now have to deal with “pothole heaven”.
He said: “It is frustrating on my part because we seem to have hit a brick wall and the developer is arguing about whether they have caused the damage or not. DCC haven’t got anywhere with it so far.
“The road started breaking up two years ago when the work started and we are still trying to get it repaired a year now since the development was completed.
“It is in an horrendous state and is a danger to cyclists. It is a big mess.
“The water and ice is making the potholes and cracking worse the longer it is left, I don’t want the taxpayers paying for it.
“It is ridiculous that it has got to the stage it has and it is in a ridiculous state. The residents are fed up with it and they are angry with it, it has dragged on long enough.
“The people who have spent £200,000 for new homes on Pottery Gardens will also have to drive through all the damage to get to their houses.”