Housebuilders move to quell dispute at flagship Surrey site

A top housebuilder is trying to stave off a potential legal dispute on a flagship development in Surrey. Berkeley Homes, alongside its joint venture partner St James, is facing the challenge in relation to its 500-home development The Hamptons at Worcester Park.

A source close to the dispute, which centres on three properties, claimed that court action was a possibility. A spokesman from St James denied this. In a statement to QS News the firm said: “We are aware of issues which have occurred, the majority of which have been resolved and we expect the final outstanding issues to be resolved very shortly.”

Three householders on the estate are understood to be preparing a legal case against the JV based on claims that there are faults with their new homes. The houses are part of the first phase of the development comprising 60 properties, completed in 2004.

The problems are understood to be with plastering, paint, electrics, plumbing and heating. There are also thought to be issues with the timber frames of the houses. The homes were built by Eastern European subcontractors, the source claimed.

We are aware of issues which have occurred, the majority of which have been resolved
Spokesman, St James

It is understood that the other houses in The Hamptons built in later phases have been constructed differently. The source said the dispute had been going on for around 18 months and was likely to run for a further four or five years. The three householders have commissioned a detailed report on the defects. Their next step will be to draw up a schedule of works needed to remedy the problems. The householders, who still live on the estate, want to reclaim the cost of their homes.

It is understood that the developers have written to the remaining owners of the 60 houses built in phase one offering to look at any potential defects. The statement from St James, added: “St James, in conjunction with our co-development partner Thames Water, is firmly focused on customer satisfaction, as a consequence all feedback, good or bad, is taken very seriously.” The statement added that the development had won an NHBC award.

Of the roughly 500 properties in the New England-style development, 300 new homes are up for sale. Prices start at £365,000. The weatherboard houses with white picket fences were designed by architect John Thompson and Partners. Berkeley Group is buying the 50% of St James that it does not already own from its joint venture partner RWE Thames Water.