Fuming neighbours have told of their frustration over a 'massive hole' on their road, weeks after being hit by a "river of mud" coming down from a development. Residents on Orchard Close, in Burton Joyce, where 14 homes are being built, have voiced their fury over the "nightmare" development that some in the areas are saying has spoiled their retirement.
It comes as the Orchard Close developer has been handed a 14 day notice to fix the drainage system after a 'sea of mud' flooded the road, going into people's gardens. Enforcement action including shutting the site down could be introduced if the developer fails to do so.
Now, residents in the area have spoken out after discovering holes in the road measuring "around 10 centimetres deep and several feet in length". Councillor Michael Adams, Leader of Conservative Group in Trent Valley, said he made the discovery on Monday, September 1, when he wanted to check the flood on Orchard Close after rainfall.
READ MORE: Burton Joyce housing developers ordered to fix drainage after ‘sea of mud’ hit
He has spoken to Nottingham Post near the "massive hole", adding: "We raised our concerns over and over again about this development. This hole has been caused by the lorries and mud coming down this road.
"I drove up on Monday as it was raining and I thought I would have a look at the state of the flood. I think it would be really interesting to see what the truck traffic is like here."
He said that the cost of repair per square meter is £50, adding: "This is a massive hole. We do not want our taxpayers to pay for the cost of the repairs.
"On Monday we had again, another torrent of mud, washing away the road. It is absolutely disgraceful. All of this for 14 houses up the hill."
Councillor Sam Smith, chief whip of the Conservative group at Gedling Borough Council, representing the Trent Valley Ward, added: "You do not have to be a rocket scientist to realise that this happened because of the development. We are delighted that we have taken action, not just words, and the developer now has 14 days to sort the drainage."
Retired Leonard Elston, 66, lives on Orchard Close and said: "It was 100 per cent predictable. We always had flood every year - but it was water, now it is mud and it is ten times worse.
"The development should have never ever gone ahead. This is England, it rains, why build 14 houses on a hill? Where will all the water go? It is all hammerhead.
"The lorries go up and down the road all day. The whole road is covered in mud.
"The biggest holes are about eight to ten centimetres deep and several feet in length - and it could potentially damage people's cars. The noise coming from them is like a jet landing.
"They tried to repair the road before, however an 18-year-old would have done a better job. It is all pensioners living here, on a quiet road, seeking a peaceful life.
"That land was greenbelt and now it has turned into a nightmare. My house nearly got flooded, others were less lucky."
Val Smith lives just next to the development, at the end of the Orchand Close cul-de-sac. The retired resident added: "We just want a peaceful life in our little bungalow. Before, it was all green and beautiful and now, when the houses are ready, all I will have to look at will be brick.
"Our bungalow was shaking when they were scooping the mud. Then, we had a mud river.
"Now they are just ruining our road. This is a retirement place and they are just ruining everything."
Gary Wood, Head of Highways and Transport at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "We are aware of the issues facing residents at Orchard Close in Burton Joyce and notice has been served by Gedling Borough Council on the developers related to these issues. Our teams are currently undertaking an extensive drainage survey within Burton Joyce to help us ensure that drainage systems in the village operate as effectively as possible.
"We will assess any damage caused to the highway and drainage systems in the area and take any action as appropriate to ensure they are repaired."
Nottinghamshire Live have approached the Orchard Close developer for a comment.
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