Power dispute leaves housing association's new homes standing empty

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing

A housing association has expressed frustration at an energy company's failure to resolve a dispute that has left new homes standing empty for nine months.

South Shropshire Housing Association completed a development of 12 affordable homes in the Herefordshire market town of Kington back in March.

But the properties have been standing empty ever since due to difficulties in connecting them to mains electricity leaving families unable to move into their much needed new homes.

A dispute with a local landowner meant that an alternative route has had to be sought by electricity supply company Central Networks, even though SSHA had been led to believe, as late as early November, that a deal was close to being concluded.

Paul Sutton, managing director of SSHA, said: "This situation simply should not have been allowed to happen.

"It is extremely frustrating for both ourselves, the contractors and particularly the many families who would have liked to have been settled in their new homes long before Christmas, as was originally planned.

"We are very disappointed that Central Networks did not choose to exercise its statutory powers to resolve the matter, or at least start progressing alternative options long before now.

"At this stage it is presenting considerable difficulties for everyone concerned and we can only hope that the matter is settled as quickly as humanly possible."

Hayley Crane, from Herefordshire Council, added: “Herefordshire has a shortage of affordable housing and any delay in making this kind of housing available is disappointing.

"We want to see families moving into these homes as soon as possible and we appeal to all those involved to tackle the issues with renewed vigour to ensure these homes are brought into use as quickly as possible.”