When Kerry Forster acquired her new build home in Blyth, Northumberland, in 2020, she was brimming with anticipation and optimism. Yet, her dreams swiftly morphed into a distressing ordeal when her property experienced flooding twice within just six months. This unfortunate sequence of events underscores the often-overlooked hazards tied to newbuild properties, serving as a pivotal lesson for prospective homeowners.
Ensure your development is safe from flooding. Learn how Focus360 Energy can help.
Kerry’s woes began with a seemingly benign puddle forming on the road by her home whenever it rained. The water’s sluggish drainage became a recurring issue, occasionally dislodging manhole covers as it crept ominously towards her doorstep. Pre-purchase searches, typically recommended by solicitors, failed to flag any flood risk. This oversight proved disastrous when, in April 2024, her home was engulfed by 6 to 8 inches of water. The deluge wrought havoc on the ground floor, forcing Kerry’s family into temporary accommodation. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. By October, just as the restoration concluded, another flood struck, reversing painstaking repair work and inflicting further damage. This succession of calamities has left Kerry and her family living in dread of future storms. Now considering selling their beleaguered property, they confront a stark financial obstacle: the house, originally valued at £152,000, has plummeted to an estimated worth of merely £60,000, largely due to flood damage and the inability to secure insurance.
Kerry’s ordeal shines a spotlight on the imperative for prospective homeowners to comprehend the risks inherent in newbuilds, particularly in flood-prone zones. In the UK, the pressing demand for housing has driven the development of new properties on repurposed brownfield sites, many of which are susceptible to flooding. However, the flood risks associated with these sites are not always communicated adequately to buyers, as evidenced by Kerry’s experience. Compounding the issue, numerous newbuild estates suffer from insufficient drainage infrastructure. In Kerry’s neighbourhood, residents attribute the flooding to inadequate drainage systems overwhelmed by heavy rainfall. This predicament is not unique to Blyth; similar grievances have emerged from newbuild estates nationwide.
The escalating threat of climate change further exacerbates the risk of flooding. According to the UK Met Office, winter months could become 30% wetter by 2070, heightening the likelihood of floods. This evolving climate scenario demands a reassessment of how and where homes are constructed, especially in areas vulnerable to flooding. Professor Hannah Cloke, a hydrology expert, notes the increasing prevalence and unpredictability of various types of flooding, such as surface water and groundwater flooding, which complicates risk assessment for homeowners.
Kerry’s experience underscores the urgent need for enhanced planning and accountability in the construction of newbuild properties. When developers submit proposals, local authorities are mandated to consult with the Environment Agency (EA) to evaluate flood risks. Nevertheless, the EA’s recommendations are not binding, allowing developments to proceed even if deemed high risk. Experts advocate for more stringent regulations and accountability measures to ensure that developers incorporate adequate flood defences. Sustainable drainage solutions, like sunken ponds or grassy channels, should be integral to new developments to manage stormwater effectively.
Kerry’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the potential pitfalls when purchasing a newbuild home without fully understanding the associated risks. Prospective buyers are advised to conduct comprehensive research, including consulting flood risk maps and seeking expert advice, before committing to a purchase. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for systemic reform in the planning and construction of newbuilds. Policymakers, developers, and local authorities must collaborate to ensure that new homes are designed with resilience in mind, considering the increasing threat of flooding posed by climate change.
For Kerry and her family, the quest for a safe and secure home continues, with their experience serving as both a cautionary tale for others and an impetus for systemic change. It is a clear call to action for those in positions of influence to implement measures that prevent similar situations in the future, safeguarding the aspirations and investments of countless homeowners.
Be the first to comment