Residents of Cross Farm Green and Elder Close in Wedmore are frustrated after four years of living in a new housing development still plagued by unfinished roads and poorly maintained communal areas. Since the first occupants moved in back in 2021, large sections of the estate remain incomplete, with cracked, unsurfaced roads and neglected playgrounds.
One resident, speaking anonymously, described the conditions as “an eyesore” and a safety concern due to weeds growing through damaged road surfaces. Despite paying £500 every year in maintenance fees, many feel their concerns have been overlooked.
“It is unacceptable that after four years, the initial phase of this development has improperly finished roads and unkempt public spaces,” said the resident. “While newer homes sell at premium prices, those who came first have been left behind. This shows a lack of accountability and skewed priorities.”
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Homes in Cross Farm Green currently range in price from £740,000 to £1,300,000. Acorn Property Group markets the estate as ideal for those seeking a modern rural lifestyle within walking distance of amenities and schools.
Residents have appealed to Somerset Council to take over road maintenance. The council, however, states it cannot adopt the roads until developers LiveWest Homes and Acorn Housing bring them up to required standards.
Acorn Housing responded: “We understand the concerns about road surfacing. The final surfacing was delayed during ongoing construction of the second phase to avoid damage and disruption to residents. We remain committed to completing the surfacing and progressing formal adoption. Although public spaces and playgrounds have sometimes fallen short of expectations, maintenance has improved as we work toward handing over to the council. We thank residents for their continued patience.”
Gareth Jones, Development Director for LiveWest, added: “We recognise residents’ concerns and have emphasized to the developer the urgency of completing the road as soon as possible.”