A landslide in Cradley Heath, West Midlands, has left residents of a new-build housing development stranded, unable to access their homes by car. The earth began shifting in March 2024, causing a retaining wall to collapse and a large mound of earth to block the private road leading to the cul-de-sac where twelve £400,000 homes are located. The worsening weather conditions over recent months have exacerbated the situation, creating a dangerous and inconvenient predicament for the affected families. Residents are forced to park a considerable distance away and navigate through neighbours’ gardens, sometimes carrying young children, to reach their homes, often in darkness due to the unfinished street lighting.
The affected homeowners are growing increasingly anxious about the escalating landslide. Reece Aleksander, a resident with a one-year-old child, voiced concerns about the earth encroaching further onto his property, potentially damaging his garden wall and even reaching his kitchen. The inability to use his driveway has caused significant disruption to his family life. Another resident, Rachael Howard, has offered part of her driveway to a neighbour, but other residents parking outside her property have created further complications. She highlighted the dangers, especially with the lack of street lighting, particularly over the Christmas period when storms intensified the risks for residents, including those with small children.
The residents are caught in a frustrating situation with no clear party taking responsibility for the landslide. The private road and the collapsed wall are owned by different entities, creating confusion and delaying remedial action. Dunedin Homes, the developer who owns the estate, initially appeared to deflect responsibility. The residents have criticized the lack of urgency and believe that Sandwell Council, despite the road being privately owned, should intervene due to the safety hazards presented. They argue that paying council tax should entitle them to assistance in such critical situations. One resident suggested that the initial road design, with a less steep incline, might have prevented the landslide.
Dunedin Homes, after initial reluctance, has acknowledged their responsibility for rectifying the situation, pending legal action. They claim to have initiated work in December 2024, but it was halted due to the Christmas holiday closure of waste disposal sites. While apologizing for the disruption, the developer denies liability for the landslide. They further state that the original designers of the slope and the wall installers are being consulted to understand the cause of the slippage. Dunedin Haden Cross, the landowner, insists they are not liable and that insurers and solicitors are managing the situation.
Sandwell Council says they are actively involved in discussions with the developer to ensure appropriate action is being taken. While acknowledging they do not own the land, they emphasize their ongoing communication with the management company responsible for the road’s maintenance and repair. This response, however, leaves the residents caught in the middle, with no definitive timeline for resolving the issue. The lack of clear accountability and the delays in remedial action are fueling residents’ frustrations as they continue to face the daily challenges and anxieties associated with the precarious landslide.
This situation highlights the potential pitfalls of purchasing new-build homes on privately owned estates. The complex web of responsibility between developers, landowners, contractors, and local authorities can create significant challenges for homeowners when problems arise. This case underscores the need for clearer guidelines and quicker responses to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in similar situations. It also emphasizes the importance for prospective new-build homeowners to thoroughly understand their rights and the responsibilities of all parties involved before committing to a purchase. The residents of Haden Cross Drive face an uncertain future, hoping for swift action and a permanent solution to the landslide that has disrupted their lives and placed their homes at risk.
