Remedial work on new homes

The National House-Building Council has confirmed it has conducted an investigation after being contacted by a number of homeowners in Waterside Grange, where there has been a problem with 11 new houses - all but two of which are already occupied.

A spokesman for Westbury Homes, which built the 91-home development, said work has now been completed on nine of the affected homes satisfactorily, with residents' co-operation and the approval of an NHBC inspector.

"The issue was with the original planning drawings, since rectified, which resulted in inadequate sole plate provision under some of the internal load-bearing walls.

"We would stress that these particular homes are structurally sound and that the work required is solely with a view to eliminating potential future problems, including cracks in internal walls, as a result of the normal setting process over a prolonged period," the spokesman added.

Westbury carried out checks on all of the houses that could have been affected and found work was needed on 11.

"Residents were kept fully informed of the situation affecting their properties and we have worked together with the homeowners to minimise disruption while we undertake the necessary remedial work," said a Westbury spokesman.

Although the process only takes a few days, residents were temporarily re-housed because their homes needed to be redecorated when work was finished.

An NHBC spokesman said the homes were covered by its Buildmark scheme, which requires builders to put right any defects reported within two years in new homes.

"We have been contacted by a number of homeowners in Waterside Grange and have carried out a resolution investigation on the development.

"The results have been sent to the homeowners and their builder."

Anyone living at Waterside Grange can obtain advice by calling the NHBC on 0870 241 4329.