A couple expressed their shock when a 12-metre structure was suddenly erected in front of their new home. Ewan Botcherby, 25, and his partner Rachel Storey, 29, reported that the stress from the incident led to Rachel being hospitalised again while recovering from pneumonia. They purchased the home from Bellway in October last year for £359,999 but moved in only in January.
To their dismay, the view of the golf course from their property was now blocked by a large metal structure, which they claim they were never informed about. The New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS) ruled that Bellway should have provided clearer information about the netting and its proximity to the property. The NHOS acknowledged the distress caused to the couple but awarded only £700 in compensation.
An estate agent informed Ewan that the golf netting could negatively impact the marketability and value of their house. Ewan believes the financial loss far exceeds £700, as reported by Chronicle Live.
Couple furious after being offered just £700 for giant structure erected outside homehttps://t.co/cNmWB58flY pic.twitter.com/Emucelajfl
— Daily Star (@dailystar) August 25, 2024
Ewan stated, “We live next to a golf course and were never told, nor was my solicitor, about the 12-metre metal structure to hold up golf netting in front of our door. The structure is 12 metres high and looks terrible. £700 won’t solve this issue. “It’s not at all what we expected. I won’t accept the Ombudsman’s offer. I’m extremely frustrated. It feels like Bellway is getting away with it.”
Ewan and Rachel, with their two-year-old child Connie, had hoped to enjoy the view but now cannot. They filed a complaint with the ombudsman, accusing Bellway of lacking transparency and failing to provide all necessary information regarding their purchase.
The couple claimed they were shown a plan indicating the netting’s location but never received a copy, despite requests. Their solicitor also did not receive a copy. They expected the netting would be supported by slender poles that could be adjusted, but were surprised to find this was not the case.
After moving in January, Rachel panicked after being discharged from the hospital with pneumonia. Ewan said, “She was panicking, putting strain on her lungs, and had to be rushed back to the hospital.”
Ewan also mentioned that a property valuation from Your Move estate agents indicated that the “imposing netting and stanchions may detract from the overall appearance, making the property less appealing”.
Bellway denied breaching the New Homes Quality Code and the allegations of mis-selling. However, the ombudsman ruled in favour of the couple, finding Bellway in violation of the Code’s standards.
The ombudsman stated, “The developer should have provided fuller information to the customer about the netting and its location relative to their property, causing distress to the customer.”
They added, “Given that the fencing is located at the front and highly visible from the property, I consider that £700 should be paid by the developer to the customer.”
Ewan commented, “Bellway wasn’t transparent with us. They have been a nightmare. We’ve had six site managers in seven months. If the structure isn’t removed, we will consider moving.”
A Bellway spokesperson responded, “The New Home Ombudsman Service (NHOS) reviews complaints to ensure housebuilders like Bellway adhere to the New Homes Quality Code. Bellway was one of the first major developers to register with the voluntary Ombudsman scheme in October 2022 to ensure compliance with the regulatory code.”
They concluded, “In this case, the NHOS ruled in favour of the customer, and Bellway is bound by this decision, including making the financial payment set by the Ombudsman. The property is adjacent to the golf club, and the complaint concerns the netting and support structures required to protect properties and residents from golf balls.
“Bellway informed the customer about the netting’s position and dimensions during the initial reservation meeting, which the customer did not deny. The Ombudsman adjudicated that Bellway should have provided more detailed information to the customer, which we did not do.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What caused the couple’s distress after moving into their new home?
A 12-metre metal structure for golf netting was built in front of their home, obstructing their view.
How much compensation did the New Homes Ombudsman Service award the couple?
The New Homes Ombudsman Service awarded the couple £700 in compensation.
Why was Rachel hospitalized again after moving in?
Rachel was hospitalized again due to stress and panic, which worsened her pneumonia recovery.
Did Bellway admit to any wrongdoing regarding the golf netting structure?
Bellway denied any wrongdoing but the Ombudsman found they violated the New Homes Quality Code.
What did the couple claim about the golf netting plans they were shown?
They claimed they were shown a plan but never received a copy and expected the netting to be on slender poles.