We're fuming after developers ruined our homes in newbuild nightmare – they've destroyed 80 years of history | The Sun

LOCALS and allotment owners are up in arms after they say their homes were ruined in a newbuild nightmare.

Residents near a new housing development in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, are calling for compensation after a historic hedgerow that had been there for at least 80 years was destroyed.

One person who is already living at Wilbur Chase said residents now felt “unwelcome” due to the developer’s actions.

While many houses have already been completed on the site, the project will eventually see 175 homes built in the village.

The development backs on to the Buttercup Allotments, which are privately-owned, with a hedgerow having separated the two.

However, a contractor working on behalf of Avant Homes was seen in April tearing out around 30 metres of the hedgerow which was home to wildlife including badgers, nesting birds and grass snakes.

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The developer has acknowledged this shouldn’t have happened and has replanted what was destroyed.

The owner of Buttercup Allotments Brian Booker, 80, however told the Nottingham Post: “They have now been and put a fence up between us and them, which we don't mind, and they've re-planted.

“But it will take years and years for the hedgerow to grow back and for the habitats and wildlife to recover.

"I'm not somebody who has got their head in the sand. There have got to be houses and they have got to be in somebody's back garden, but you don't go round ripping out established hedgerows."

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He estimated the destroyed hedgerow had been there for at least 80 years.

An email from a senior Avant Homes employee, seen by the news outlet said: "Avant accepted that removal of that hedge wasn't following correct protocols."

An Avant Homes spokesperson said: "We have replaced the hedgerow and can confirm it has been inspected to the local authority’s satisfaction."

However, locals want Avant Homes to take further action and have written to the company.

The letter, signed by scores of residents, calls for Avant Homes to offer a donation to the Ruddington Parish Council and the Buttercup Allotments as compensation for the damage caused.

Avant Homes were also asked to create a wildflower meadow in the new Wilbur Chase development, as well as installing bird nesting boxes.

The developer has not yet addressed these requests.

The letter said: “This action has deeply upset the owner, Brian Booker, the patrons of the allotments, and other villagers.

“It is seen as clear evidence that the developer does not prioritise the well-being of our new village and its environment.

"Furthermore, the developer's actions have made the new residents of the Wilbur Chase estate feel unwelcome in Ruddington, as we are seen to have contributed to the destruction of our natural heritage and disrupted the sense of community that we cherish.

“As concerned residents, we believe it is imperative to take action to protect our village's wildlife and habitat."

Andrew Seggie, who is a resident on the development and organised the letter said: "The other developments haven't caused too many problems, but a lot of people were upset by this one.

“The developers should have put the homes up and said 'look, these are all nice people and they will be good neighbours', but instead they have come in and destroyed local wildlife."

Mr Booker added he hopes Avant Homes will now leave the remaining hedge alone as work on the development continues.

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Work on the Wilbur Chase estate is expected to be completed in 2024.

The Sun Online has contacted Avant Homes for comment.

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