Neighbours compensated after houses built too high

Nearby residents were left unhappy after the new estate was built 2.4m (7.8ft) higher than the original plans

A property developer has agreed to compensate the neighbours of a housing estate which was built 2.4m (7.8 ft) higher than expected.

Residents living next to Persimmon Homes' Pottery Gardens development in Cheadle, Staffordshire, said their homes were being overlooked after new houses were built on land that was raised above agreed plans.

Attempts to solve the issue were deferred twice by the local authority, but a resolution has now been approved.

Bosses had listened to residents' concerns, and taken action to address them, a spokesperson for the firm said.

Residents on the new estate had previously been warned their homes could be flattened if the developer was unable to come forward with a suitable remedy for the problem.

The developer said it had been consulting extensively with residents, and apologised for the issues

"We acknowledge that there have been a number of issues," Ross Meachin, speaking on behalf of the developer, told planners at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

"Those issues have caused delays and inconvenience for residents," he said.

Bosses had listened to residents' concerns, he added, and taken action to address them.

He said changes had been made to the company's processes and procedures, as well as personnel, to ensure a repeat of similar problems did not happen in future.

"We are sorry that we have put residents and [the council] in this position," he said.

As well as compensation, the firm agreed to install acoustic fencing and carry out landscaping work.

Residents on Ness Grove and Ayr Road complained about being overlooked

Cheadle town councillor Bernard Charlesworth said Persimmon had worked hard to make up for its errors as far as practically possible.

Residents in Ness Grove would now have a "proper, structural retaining wall of pleasing design" he said, and added he would ensure this was tested so properties would maintain their value and saleability.

Councillor Paul Roberts described the developer's work as a "bodge it and scarper" and said he felt it was "disgusting".

Though he noted Persimmon had subsequently taken on board the committee's feedback and engaged with residents.

"I hope it never happens again. I hope that if we ever have any [future applications] from the company again that they've learnt their lesson."

The final plans were approved unanimously by the council's planning committee.