The Acorns, IP31

Uninspiring development layout with cheapest properties having the best countryside views. Took two years from purchase to sort all the ‘snags’ with the property, including non-compliance with Building Regs that meant our home insurance was invalid. Our ASHP heating system was costing us over £35 per day the first winter we were here - heating would switch off at 4am meaning we woke up to a freezing house and no hot water. Turns out the system had not been set up or commissioned properly (as later confirmed by a Mitsubishi engineer) and this took two years to rectify. The stress was huge and it got to the point where I wanted to hand back the keys! Involving local Council Building Control and threatening solicitors finally brought about corrective action by Lovell. High turnover of staff in ‘customer services’ meant constantly having to chased outstanding issues and several mix-ups with orders of replacement items (e.g. faulty kitchen unit doors) caused further delays in rectifying problems. The site management company are rarely seen and over 50% of their charges are ‘admin’ rather than actual maintenance, so not good value. But at least the majority of our neighbours are pleasant and friendly!

The layout of the development is very good, a pleasant aspect when entering Granger Close. There is a children's play area which is used regularly and far enough away not to be noisy. The planted areas are kept weeded and grass cut but we do not like the "re-wilded" areas which are just complete weeds and extend too far.