Dunedin Homes Residents in Sandwell "Feel Trapped" After Landslides Block Estate Road for Two Years

Residents on a Dunedin Homes estate in the West Midlands say they have been living with the aftermath of landslides for almost two years, with earth and rubble blocking their road and cutting off access to their driveways.

Homeowners on Haden Cross Drive in Sandwell report that their £400,000 properties have become effectively unsellable, and many say they feel completely abandoned by the developer.

The problems began in March 2024 when a landslip sent earth and rubble tumbling across the street, just feet from residents' front doors. A temporary sandbag wall was erected in response, but it proved inadequate. Months later, a second landslide struck, and CCTV footage captured the moment tonnes of earth smashed through the barriers in January of this year.

Around 12 residents were directly affected, unable to access their driveways and forced to park on nearby streets before walking through rubble to reach their homes. Almost two years on, locals say nothing has meaningfully changed, and they are still waiting for Dunedin Homes to clear the site and provide a permanent solution.

Drainage Problems and No Street Lighting

The landslip is far from the only issue plaguing the estate. Residents also report serious drainage problems, with some saying that sewage cascades into their gardens during heavy rain. To make matters worse, the street lighting on the six-year-old estate has never been switched on, leaving residents navigating the debris and disruption in the dark.

Sandra Whitehall, 78, described the situation as relentless. She explained that when it rains, water flows down onto the road causing flooding, and that residents have simply had to learn to live with it. She expressed particular concern for young families on the estate, saying it is not a pleasant environment for children to grow up in. Mrs Whitehall added that homes on the estate are now effectively worthless, with no one able to sell up, leaving residents feeling trapped.

Mark Payne, who has lived on the estate since it was first built in 2020, said he would never have bought his home if he had known what was to come. He described a long history of issues from day one and a complete lack of clarity about when, or whether, they would be resolved. He said residents have moved beyond frustration and are now simply angry and upset.

"I Hate Living Here"

Reece Aleksander, 34, an engineer who lives on the estate with his wife Georgia and their baby, was particularly candid about the toll the situation has taken. He said stepping outside his front door means being greeted by a large mound of dirt, visible even from his lawn. He told reporters that he had said to his wife that he hates living there. The family bought a new build expecting minimal issues, perhaps a few snags, but instead found themselves dealing with what he described as an absolute joke. He pointed out that some residents still cannot get their cars onto their driveways, and that navigating the area with a pushchair through the winter months was virtually impossible.

Council Gives Developer a Deadline

Sandwell Council has now given Dunedin Homes until 29 March to clear the road or face enforcement action. A council spokesperson acknowledged residents' frustration and stated that the matter is ultimately for the developer to resolve. The council said it continues to engage with Dunedin Homes and has urged the company to address the landslip as soon as possible in a sustainable manner. According to the spokesperson, the developer is exploring long-term solutions and has undertaken site investigations to inform the process. The council confirmed it will monitor the situation and consider whether the use of its limited planning powers could help bring about a faster resolution.

Plans for More Homes on the Same Estate

Adding to residents' frustration, Dunedin Homes recently appealed a council decision to block the development of six additional homes on the very same estate. The council had refused the plans on the grounds that the new properties would have a significant impact on the privacy of existing residents. The appeal is a further source of concern for homeowners who feel that the developer should be focusing on fixing the current problems rather than building more properties.

This is not the first time Dunedin Homes has faced criticism over the condition of one of its developments. Residents in Hartshill also remain locked in a dispute with the company over the state of their new build estate.

What Can Affected Residents Do?

If you are living on a new build estate and experiencing issues like those described above, it is important to document every defect thoroughly. A professional snagging inspection can provide an independent, detailed record of problems with your property, which can be invaluable when dealing with developers or pursuing complaints through the NHBC or other warranty providers.

For homeowners who want to carry out their own checks, our snagging checklist offers a structured guide to identifying defects across every area of your home. For more complex situations, a professional snagging inspection from New Build Inspections can ensure nothing is overlooked and give you an expert report to support any claims.