- Did you experience a construction project from hell? Reach out to Sam.Lawley@mailonline.co.uk
Residents in a group of high-end coastal residences perched on cliffs are now "fearing for the stability" of their homes as they face a continuous issue with substandard construction.
Angry inhabitants of the Cliff Edge housing project in Newquay, Cornwall were promised upscale seaside residences, presenting them with an extraordinary and uncommon chance.
They were soon acquired by proprietors charmed by the breathtaking seaside setting.
However, residents of these luxurious homes claim that circumstances have deteriorated to such an extent that their paradise has transformed into a nightmarish situation, with escalating concerns about its structural stability and a basement that inundates whenever it rains.
The residents have been grappling with problems related to the apartments constructed by developer Stephens & Stephens for three years now, and they still worry about the possibility of their homes crumbling.
The issues have become so significant, as reported by owners, that a website has been established to caution prospective buyers about purchasing either Cliff Edge or the still-under-construction Cliff Edge 2.
On the website called Stephensandstephensfactcheck.co.uk, locals share: "The leaseholders at Cliff Edge believe it is their ethical responsibility to supply potential purchasers and investors with comprehensive details along with personal insights, enabling them to reach a well-informed choice."
The page includes pictures of the waterlogged basement and shares several accounts from flat owners.
One remarked: "I'm genuinely concerned that the structure might not remain stable over time. I fear it could end up collapsing."
One asserted that the construction is not 'watertight,' with frequent flooding occurring in the basement, the electrical room, and certain apartments. They also mentioned that the stairwells and balcony railings are ‘already showing signs of rust.’
Paul and Helen Stephenson, who are married, form the team known as Stephens & Stephens.
The SBP crisis management team, responsible for media communications for the developer, mentioned that they have already contacted the Cliff Edge Resident Action Group, stating "the next steps depend largely on them."
A community survey was conducted among the inhabitants residing in the building, followed by additional feedback being shared on Stephensandstephensfactcheck.co.uk regarding issues they've encountered.
One remarked, "A couple of years following their purchase, numerous residents still possess lengthy lists of unresolved problems."
These issues encompass absent breakfast bars, broken shower stalls, major roof leakages, faulty appliances, balcony railings that have sagged, and substandard flooring.
Additionally, another person commented: "The continuous leaks in the basement seem to have resulted in significant harm, yet Stephens and Stephens appear unconcerned. I've been repeatedly deceived."
Additional grievances highlighted the 'subpar quality of fixtures and fittings,' the 'inadequate infrastructure,' along with the developers' purported 'refusal to recognize or address issues within the structures.'
A frustrated homeowner remarked: "Since the beginning, there have been persistent leaks within the structure that the developers have tried to conceal and minimize."
The apartment doesn't match what we purchased according to the plans we acquired.
A different community member asserted that the structure was 'not adhering to fire and construction codes,' and they also mentioned it had significant issues related to both its structure and water resistance.
One angry homeowner commented: "At first glance, Stephens & Stephens put considerable effort into their branding and design, which really captivated us."
But unfortunately, it's just a pretense for a company that merely lacks concern, cuts corners, and leaves behind a path of devastation.
On the website, a resident commented: "Avoid making this error because you'll end up with an unsafe and useless property."
This choice will turn your life into a miserable experience, leading to many restless nights.
Sam Beilin from SBP crisis management stated: "Certain tasks must be addressed during the development phase; these include responsibilities assigned to both the developer and those related to continuous estate management."
We recently corresponded with the Residents Action Group and are currently awaiting their response.
The truth of the matter is that the managing agents cannot accomplish much since the residents haven't paid their service charges, which cover both building insurance and warranty costs.
We are not equipped as surveyors, hence we are unable to provide comments on the issues the residents have raised regarding the work.
Nevertheless, the grievance about the apartment design is a contractual issue for which they should seek legal counsel.
Moreover, we cannot alter what they spent since property values fluctuate, as you're aware. They also had the opportunity to examine and survey their flats to ensure quality prior to finalizing their purchases.
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