National house builder called out for 'failing' Northampton estate and opening up residents for 'heartbreak'
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
A long-standing issue has been plaguing the residents of Pomfret Arms Close, on the Old Towcester Road in Far Cotton.
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Hide AdMajor national house builder Bellway has been accused of "failing" to meet its commitments to improve the traffic light junction at the intersection of London Road and New Southbridge Road, as well as adopt the Old Towcester Road and adjacent roads, 11 years after the development was completed.
Independent councillor Julie Davenport (Delapre and Rushmere ward), who has been fighting on behalf of residents, expressed her frustration at the lack of progress. She said: "We have the plans for the junction drawn up, but Bellway will not pay the costs or arrange for the work to be done.
"I have asked the council’s planning enforcement to become involved in this matter. It's unacceptable that a developer agrees to pay for and arrange installation of roads and infrastructure, known as a section 278 agreement between the developer and the council, but then fails to follow through on their commitments.”
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Hide AdAndrew Lewer, Conservative candidate for Far Cotton, echoed Councillor Davenport's concerns. He said: "This is a perennial problem between developers and local authorities around Northampton. I have met Bellway before regarding issues around Pomfret Arms Close. It's time they gave us a guarantee that works will be scheduled to improve the junction to the required standard so that West Northamptonshire Council can be in a position to adopt the road."
Councillor Davenport also expressed her hope that Bellway will take action to complete the necessary work. She said: "I do hope Bellway will decide to complete the works at this junction and ensure that the roads and green spaces are completed to the standard required for West Northamptonshire Council to adopt them.
"Owning your own home is something we all aspire to, and when residents find out that the developer has not completed the basic infrastructure it can be heart-breaking for new home owners, who had no idea that this could happen to them."
Bellway has not responded to this newspaper’s request for comment.
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