A HOUSING developer has hit back after residents and a Councillor complained about the “poor finish” to houses on a new estate in Thackley.

Resident Cheryl Wells and Lib Dem Councillor for Idle and Thackley Jeanette Sunderland have said they will be making formal complaints about the standard of finish to homes on the Persimmon Cote Farm development off Leeds Road in Thackley.

However, Persimmon has defended its development, saying it has met the required standard and would be happy to resolve any issues “amicably”.

Bradford Council has said it will raise any residents’ concerns with the developer and it as already addressed one of the issues raised by residents regarding this development.

Ms Wells has complained about “poor finishing” and flooding caused by the site, which was formerly a greenfield site.

She said: “We have been in contact with Persimmon homes following concerns about the fencing work, flooding and poor finish on new homes next to ours.

“All of the neighbours are fed up with the work. So far the response has been really poor. We deserve some respect and our complaints responded to.

“They seem to be rushing to finish the two houses behind us and we’re having major problems with water.

“We have made a formal complaint to Persimmon Homes but have no response so we are taking this further.”

Cllr Sunderland added: “I’m really disappointed by the response of the Council’s Enforcement Team who seem to be saying ‘let’s wait and see, we can take action sometime in the future’.

“The developers are in a rush and the work is clearly not what I would expect to see for a new development. The end of one garden appears to be propped up with little more than a couple of planks of wood. The residents are right to be anxious about the quality of the work.

“Residents are putting in a formal complaint and speaking to the National House-Builders Federation. Residents, both existing and new currently seem to be being let down on all fronts.”

A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes said: “We are sorry to hear these concerns from the local resident and will continue to amicably resolve any issues raised.

“Council planning officers have visited this development and approved the work done so far.

“We are committed to building high-quality developments with minimum disruption. We’d encourage any customers or local residents with concerns to talk to our team and we will seek to resolve any issues in a timely manner."

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “The council’s building control department follows national building regulations which generally cover health, safety, welfare and energy conservation. Standards of quality and finish are not usually included if the building meets minimum standards.

“However, for this development all building control functions are being administered by private approved inspectors, Premier Guarantee Surveyors.

“Enquiries regarding the standard of work should be made to Premier Guarantee Surveyors referencing: PL-PG-1966365.

“The council will raise residents’ concerns with the private company and national body.

“Our land drainage team has responded and resolved two water run-off issues which were caused by temporary measures created to develop the site. Any further drainage issues will be dealt with in a similar way.”

* The original photo which accompanied this story included a house which has not been subject to complaints. The owners are satsified with the property and all issues have been well handled by the site team.