Darlington estate is 'complete mess' with 'accident waiting to happen'

Residents of the 59-home development on Carmel Road South, in Darlington, have raised concerns over safety issues that they say remain unresolved.

Construction began five years ago, and although the final house was completed in April, roads and pavements remain "dangerously unfinished," according to residents.

The side of the development looking from Carmel Road South, Darlington (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Despite developer Story Homes saying that it is "fully committed to completing the outstanding works," residents have taken aim at the state of the development, where house prices are advertised as starting from £520,000.

Exposed wiring and pipes on the site in Darlington (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The issues include large holes in pavements, unfinished paths and road tarmacking, while other complaints stem from unconnected street lighting with residents saying some houses remain in complete darkness at night.

One resident at the The Willows development, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Northern Echo that the site is a "complete mess" and "an accident waiting to happen".

The Story Homes development in Darlington (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The homeowner, who moved in three-and-a-half years ago said: "These issues have gone on all the way through. There are huge holes in the road, and the sewer grates aren't level. Cars have been damaged, tyres have burst.

Piles of rubble and fences on the side of the development site (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) "We have to walk on the road because the paths aren't even. Cars have to dodge holes and meet cars coming the other way. It's a recipe for disaster."

Despite the long-standing issues, the resident claims that "little to no action" has been taken.

Pictures from the site show unfinished tarmac, unconnected electrics, exposed pipes, and mounds of rubble.

Unfinished roads and paths on The Willows development (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The resident added: "This development is a diabolical health hazard, and one that has seen exposed pipes, dug up holes and fences erected in portions of the street.

"I know a lot of residents are fed up with this and how long it has gone on for."

In response to the concerns, Story Homes has said that the final phase of the development has been delayed, due to "unforeseen technical challenges and ecological requirements".

Piles of rubble and exposed pipework (Image: UGC) The developer added that it's been liaising with Darlington Borough Council.

A spokesperson said: “The final stages of works at our development, The Willows, have unfortunately been delayed due to unforeseen technical challenges and ecological requirements.

"We have apologised to residents for the inconvenience this has caused.

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"We remain fully committed to completing the outstanding works.

"This includes ongoing liaison with Darlington Borough Council to approve final road surfacing, footpath improvements, street light installation and final clearance of the site compound.

Uneven paths on the site (Image: UGC) "We are taking clear steps to move the development forward and continue to provide regular updates to residents, who we thank for their continued patience and feedback.”

Patched drain work and tarmac (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The Northern Echo asked the developer to clarity the 'unforeseen technical challenges and ecological requirements' - but was told that "at this time, we won’t be providing any further updates beyond the statement already issued," by Story Homes.

The developer also didn't wish to respond to any of the individual concerns highlighted by residents.

Darlington Borough Council said that they "continue to inspect the work as it progresses", but reiterated that it's the job of the developer to ensure works are carried out.

The council added: "Darlington Borough Council is not holding up anything on site."