Developer called out for poor road surfaces and trip hazards

Finchwood Park is a new housing development near Finchampstead and Arborfield Garrison.

A number of different housebuilders are developing the area after winning planning permission years ago.

But not all appears to be well with the newbuild estates at Finchwood Park, as builders have been accused of poor workmanship.

Councillor Rebecca Margetts (Conservative, Finchampstead South) conducted a photo survey of the part of the estate owned by Cala Homes.

She found poor road surfacing, damaged kerbs, raised ironworks and footpaths in a visit on Saturday, February 11.

Raised ironworks at Cala Homes Finchwood Park development in Finchampstead. Credit: Councillor Rebecca Margetts

Cllr Margetts has written to Cala Homes to raise the issues on behalf of neighbours.

She said: “I visited Finchwood Park as part of our regular neighbourhood walkabouts where we knock on the door of every home to speak with the residents and see if they have any local issues to raise.

“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 after purchase customer service from Cala Homes.

Many homes still have long lists of snagging items that are incomplete even after 12 months or more of occupation.

“Even to the untrained eye you can see areas of poor workmanship around the exteriors of the properties.

A road surface in Finchwood Park which has been described as being in a very poor condition. Credit: Councillor Rebecca Margetts

“I have reported this issue to the Home Builders Federation and the National House Building Council asking that they take any steps they see necessary in their capacity.”

Cllr Margetts argued the unfinished nature of the estate poses a health and safety risk.

She even revealed homeowners are considering leaving the newbuilds.

Cllr Margetts 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 heart-breaking for a family that a year ago were excited about moving into their new home.

“This promotes a negative message for buying a home in a future phase at Finchwood Park from Cala Homes.”

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She has requested a meeting with the managing director of Cala Homes and senior staff to discuss what can be done, and an action plan for resolving the issues raised.

A spokesperson confirmed the company’s area managing director has agreed to a meeting.

The spokesperson said: “At Cala, 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 hopes to meet on site soon.”