Couple livid after being supplied simply £700 for large fence constructed exterior dwelling
A couple aren’t happy with a mere £700 they’ve been offered in compensation. A 12-metre metal structure was erected outside their new home which they claim isn’t as they expected.
Ewan Botcherby, 25, and his partner Rachel Storey, 29, splashed out £359,995 on a four-bedroom detached property in the Callerton area of Newcastle, which boasts views of Westerhope Golf Club.
The pair purchased the house from Bellway in October 2023 and moved in this January, reports Chronicle Live.
READ MORE: Inside abandoned Victorian manor with wedding snaps on wall and casino in cellar
Keep up with all our property news
However, they were left gobsmacked when a 12-metre metal structure, designed to support netting and shield residents from stray golf balls, was constructed right outside their front door. The couple lodged a complaint with the New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS).
(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
After conducting an investigation, the NHOS concluded that Bellway should have provided more comprehensive information about the netting and its proximity to the couple’s property. They ruled that the couple had suffered distress and ordered Bellway to cough up £700 in compensation.
Ewan, who works as an IT manager, has been informed by an estate agent that the golf netting “may have unintended consequences on the marketability and value of the house”. He believes that £700 is nowhere near enough to cover this potential loss.
He said: “We live on edge of a golf course and no one instructed us, or my solicitor, that there was going to be a 12 metre metal structure built in front of my front door to hold golf netting up.”
“The structure in front of our door is 12 metres and it doesn’t look good. How is £700 going to fix the issue? It’s no where near what we thought it would be. I won’t accept the offer from the Ombudsman.”
(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
“I’m really frustrated about what has happened. It’s like Bellway is getting away with it.”
Ewan and Rachel, parents to two-year-old Connie, bought the property for its scenic view, which is now obscured.
They lodged a complaint with the ombudsman, accusing Bellway of lacking transparency and failing to provide all relevant information regarding their purchase.
The couple claimed they saw a plan indicating the location of the netting and supports but didn’t receive a copy despite asking for one. They added that their solicitor also didn’t receive a copy.
They had anticipated that the netting would be supported by slim poles and could be rolled up or down as required.
(Image: Chronicle Live)
He sought a property valuation from Your Move estate agents, who suggested that the “imposing netting and stanchions may detract from the overall appearance, making the property less inviting”.
Bellway revealed to the Ombudsman that they dispute any breach of the New Homes Quality Code, arguing that the property was not mis-sold.
However, last month’s verdict saw the ombudsman support the complaint and conclude that Bellway had indeed failed to adhere to the Code’s requirements.
The Ombudsman stated: “I am satisfied that the Developer should have given fuller information to the customer about the netting and its location relative to their property and that the customers has suffered distress as a result.
(Image: Chronicle Live)
“Given that the fencing is located to the front elevation and is highly visible from the property, I consider that the sum of £700 should be paid by the developer to the customer.”
Ewan commented: “They said Bellway wasn’t transparent with us. They’ve just been an absolute nightmare. We have had six site managers in seven months. If the structure doesn’t get taken out we will look to move.”
In response, a representative for Bellway stated: “The New Home Ombudsman Service (NHOS) considers complaints by customers to ensure housebuilders, such as Bellway, adhere to the New Homes Quality Code.
“Bellway informed the customer of the position and dimensions of the netting in question and referenced the 12m support structures during the initial reservation meeting. This has not been denied by the customer. The Ombudsman adjudicated that Bellway should have provided more detailed information to the customer, which we did not do.”
Chronicle Live approached the New Homes Ombudsman Service for a comment.
