Estate lagoon a death trap for wildlife - residents

Residents have seen a dead badger in the "diversity lagoon"

People living on a housing estate are threatening legal action unless a developer rebuilds a "dank and dirty" lagoon in Leicestershire.

Residents say at least one badger has drowned and they have had to rescue ducklings and frogs unable to cross a slippery plastic liner.

A previous lagoon at Farndon Fields, in Market Harborough, was much larger and "teeming with wildlife", according to neighbours, but it was filled in and new housing built.

Avant Homes admits the lagoon has not been installed correctly and is working to put the problems right.

When new houses were first suggested for the site, campaigners warned wildlife would suffer.

The proposal meant filling in a large lagoon, which protesters said was home to otters, bats and badgers.

They were assured the plans had been designed to minimise the impact on wildlife.

Proposals submitted by Avant Homes to extend the development by 185 houses included a replacement lagoon lined with clay.

But when the new lagoon was built in 2018, it was lined instead with black plastic, aquatic plants failed to take root, and so far there is little sign of life

"It was supposed to be almost a paradise for nature and wildlife," said Michael Flannery, who moved into the estate two years ago. "But it's a death-trap really."

The new "diversity lagoon"

"We thought it was going to be a wildlife haven," added Antony Upton, whose house faces the new lagoon at Ten Oaks Village.

"It looked beautiful on the plans. Now it just seems barren."

That is a view supported by another house owner, Ali Davies.

"It's dank. It's dirty. There is no wildlife in it at all," she said.

Mr Upton's neighbour Lorna Trueman says many trees and shrubs that appeared on the designs are missing or have died.

She claims some were planted in hot weather and not watered and that wildflower areas have not been planted with the correct seed mix.

Lorna Trueman says the action group may seek a judicial review

Ms Trueman is concerned Harborough District Council has signed a "certificate of practical completion" for the open space works, although the council points out this does not cover the lagoon.

Now, residents have formed an action group.

"We might have to ask for court action," said Ms Trueman, who works as a lawyer in dispute resolution.

"[The council] are trying to help get things sorted. But if we cannot get anywhere, we might have to seek a judicial review."

The council said there had been no breach of planning conditions, but it had met residents to hear their concerns and was planning another face-to-face discussion soon.

It said it had been working with Avant to get the open space improved to "an acceptable standard" and agreed works such as replacing dead trees this autumn.

It is promising to assess Avant's plans to improve the lagoon.

The previous lagoon was much larger than its replacement

Avant Homes said it would be replanting trees and hedgerows during the next available planting season.

A spokesperson said it would maintain those for 12 months before transferring the areas to the residents' management company.

"In relation to the lagoon, it has been identified that this was not installed in accordance with the approved detail in the planning permission," the spokesperson added.

"We have therefore been working with our consultants and Harborough District Council to agree a schedule of required remedial works. As soon as this is agreed, we will carry them out."