Residents of Cross Farm Green and Elder Close in Wedmore have been battling ongoing issues with their housing development, four years after the first families moved in. Despite homes being occupied since 2021, many claim that crucial parts of the estate remain incomplete.
Several roads throughout the development are either unsurfaced or damaged, with cracks and weeds sprouting through, creating what locals describe as both an eyesore and a safety hazard. Playgrounds and public spaces also reportedly suffer from a lack of proper upkeep.
Homeowners continue paying an annual maintenance fee of £500, though this charge is unrelated to the road conditions. One anonymous resident expressed deep frustration: “It is unacceptable that after four years, the first phase of this development still lacks properly finished roads and maintained public spaces. Residents have paid their service charges and shown great patience, but while newer homes are completed and sold at premium prices, those who moved in first have been left behind. This highlights a clear imbalance in priorities and accountability.”
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Houses in Cross Farm Green are valued between £740,000 and £1,300,000. Developer Acorn Property Group markets the estate as ideal for those seeking a modern rural lifestyle close to the high street and local schools.
Residents have petitioned Somerset Council to assume responsibility for road maintenance. However, the council has stated it cannot adopt the roads until they meet the required construction standards set by the developers.
Acorn Housing acknowledged the concerns in a statement: “We recognize the surfacing issues raised by residents. The choice was made not to finalize road surfaces during ongoing construction of the second phase to avoid damage and further disruption. We remain fully committed to completing road surfacing and advancing formal adoption. Although the upkeep of public areas and play spaces has not always met expectations, these are now being maintained as we work toward handover to the local authority. We appreciate residents’ patience and assure them this development is a priority.”
Gareth Jones, Development Director for LiveWest, which provides the section 106 homes on the site, added: “We recognize residents’ concerns and have reinforced our expectations with the developer to complete the roads as soon as possible.”
An amendment on November 19 clarified that LiveWest is not the site’s developer, but the provider of section 106 homes, and that the £500 maintenance fee does not apply to the road issues.