Councillor ‘shocked’ at poor condition of new development
A WOKINGHAM Borough councillor has written to the developer of Finchwood Park in Finchampstead after a recent walkabout revealed the poor condition of the site.
Cllr Rebecca Margetts, Conservative councillor for Finchampstead South, penned the letter to the managing director of Cala Homes following a visit to the area on Saturday, February 11.
The photo survey conducted by Cllr Margetts shows a number of issues including incomplete footpaths, raised ironworks in the roads and trip hazards.
She also highlighted some landscaped areas that had been “left with rubble, uncovered pipework, sharp objects, dead trees, heras fencing dumped in hedges and piles of litter in the ditches”.
After speaking with residents, Cllr Margetts found that some homes still had many “snagging items”, despite being built more than a year ago.
She said: “I was shocked with how limited progress has been made on issues relating to the development over the past several months.
“It is clear from residents’ testimonies that they are very frustrated with the poor afterpurchase customer service from Cala Homes.
“Additionally, residents have been taking to posting their dissatisfactions on Facebook groups and throughWokingham Today.
“Even to the untrained eye you can see areas of poor workmanship around the exteriors of the properties.”
Cllr Margetts explained that some residents had “given up” on the issues being resolved.
She said: “I had two separate homeowners that didn’t want to discuss any of their issues because they have given up with Cala Homes and have decided that they must move – this is heartbreaking for a family that a year ago were excited about moving into their new home.”
Cllr Margetts has called on the developer to resolve the problems “expeditiously”.
She added: “Cala Homes has historically had a reputation in the industry as a good housebuilder providing a quality product for families.
“It is disappointing that Cala Homes has fallen so short of the expectations set before the commencement of the development at Finchwood Park and it is disturbing that there is little or no action being taken to make it right.”
Following the letter, the company’s area managing director has agreed to meet with Cllr Margetts at the site to discuss the issues further.
A Cala Homes spokesperson said: “We pride ourselves on our customer service and quality and we regret that on this occasion that we have fallen short of our usual standards.
“A programme of works is underway to resolve the issues highlighted as quickly as possible, with some already completed. Cala Thames’ managing director is in communication with Cllr Rebecca Margetts and will be meeting on site very soon.”