Residents of Fern Meadow, a 360-home development in Wrexham built in 2020, are experiencing significant problems with their new homes, challenging the expectation that new estates offer peace of mind.
The most alarming incident involved Shelby Brown’s five-year-old son Riley, who was injured when he fell through a broken drain cover while trick-or-treating. Anwyl Homes replaced the cover but told the family they were not responsible, advising residents to take “extra precautions” on unfinished roads.
Residents have reported numerous issues, including:
– Unfinished roads and pavements
– Drainage system problems
– Flooding in gardens and garages
– Construction defects inside homes
– Electrical and safety hazards
One unnamed resident discovered potentially fatal electrical wiring issues when installing lights, noting that the fuses were incorrectly configured. Another resident commissioned an independent engineering report after experiencing persistent flooding and interior problems like a sinking kitchen floor and a gas leak.
James Evans and Melissa Brimer, who moved in 18 months ago, are frustrated by the lack of communication from developers and the estate’s unfinished appearance, including makeshift ramps and incomplete infrastructure.
Both developers, Anwyl Homes and Bellway Homes, have apologized for delays but claim progress is being made. Bellway cited access issues as a reason for incomplete work and said loose manhole covers were remedied when spotted.
Local councillors have been critical of the development. Rob Walsh noted that residents who complain are often told to “sort it out between yourselves,” while Bryan Apsley described the project as “a disaster from day one.”
Snagging expert John Cooper explained that such issues are common across the UK, attributing them to a shortage of quality tradespeople. He criticized developers as essentially sales companies that sub-contract construction work, leaving buyers vulnerable to varying quality of workmanship.
The development’s history is also controversial. The original plans were initially rejected by Wrexham council but later approved by the Welsh government’s planning inspector, with initial objections focusing on potential flooding risks.
Regulatory bodies have provided limited assistance. The National House Building Council (NHBC) stated its 10-year warranty only covers serious structural defects, while snagging issues remain the builder’s responsibility.
The Welsh government and local council have essentially passed responsibility back and forth, with the government noting that land drainage works were part of the original permission and the council stating that developers are responsible until infrastructure meets adoption standards.
This situation highlights broader issues in the UK’s new-build housing market, where homebuyers often find themselves struggling with incomplete or poorly constructed developments and limited recourse for addressing their concerns.
