Elderly residents living at the back of a new £4.5 million housing estate in Long Sutton are considering selling up because “noise from the development is making their lives a misery”.
The development of high-spec affordable homes in Anfield Road was officially opened on Tuesday amidst celebrations – and disappointment that changes to the plans mean there is fewer privately-owned homes than expected.
Chairman of Long Sutton Parish Council Coun Ruth Barber performed the opening ceremony in spite of councillors at the last meeting complaining they were never informed when changes to plans happen, so what was the point of discussing them in the first place.
In spite of this, Coun Barber and parish clerk Karen Treacher went along to the opening ceremony to inspect the 32 rental homes and eight shared ownership and shared equity properties that were a result of a partnership between the Westleigh Developments, South Holland District Council, Homes and Communities Agency, L&H Homes and the parish council.
The privately-owned section is on the right as you turn into Anfield Road, including house numbers up to 20.
Coun Barber, who cut the ribbon on number 32 when chairman of L&H Homes Sidney McFarlane welcomed guests to the opening, said: “I have to say the properties are very nice. But it is disappointing there are not the number of privately-owned properties. We understood the ratio of social housing to be far less.”
Karen Treacher said: “It’s all very well when these plans get changed at South Holland District Council level, but we have to take the flack when something goes wrong.”
Young couple Maria Nel (21) and Lee Chaplin (23) have bought number 18 and are very happy with their property, but said a friend living in John Swains Way has told them elderly residents there are thinking of moving.
Lee said: “We didn’t know there would be so many council homes when we moved in, but where we are there are no problems with noise.
“A friend in John Swains Way says the elderly there are thinking of moving away because the noise is making their lives a misery and there are a lot of pets.”
However, Rachael Dobson of the neighbourhood team of L&H Homes, said they had received no complaints about noise or anti-social behaviour.
She told guests gathered in the rental home of Keith and Elaine Wright: “There is a real mix of people here of all ages –living as a community.”
Mr Wright said: “We moved here three months ago and are loving it – it’s very quiet down here. Normally, we spend seven months of the year in Spain so it’s a big change for us.”