Development a flood threat

From: Dr Michael Lowry, Chairman, Cookridge Residents Action Group.

SERIOUS concerns over hasty and ill-advised new property builds are increasing. Residents have for many years raised concerns over Taylor Wimpey’s development on Moseley (Soggy) Bottom in Cookridge, a floodprone site, that contributes to increased flow of water in times of high risk such as December 2015 and January 2016.

Despite all evidence provided by experts warning against this development, it was approved by Leeds Council, and is a disaster waiting to overwhelm future and existing residents. Those who think they will be protected by guarantees need to think again – very carefully.

The Consumer Rights Directive does not cover property. Residents on new developments naively rely on a 10-year warranty insured by the NHBC or similar provider.

However that 10-year ‘promise’ could be misleading – developers only have to rectify problems that arise in the first two years following completion. After that, purchasers have to claim on the warranty provider’s insurance which only covers serious structural issues (not flooding!).

New homeowners can appeal to the voluntary Consumer Code for Home Builders adjudication scheme. However, it costs £120 to lodge a complaint via the scheme, whose findings are not legally binding. What a mess. Affordable new homes? I think not. The words ‘I told you so’ spring to mind.