Housing association resolving defects in Kevin McCloud-designed homes

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Local Government

A housing association says it has appointed a full-time surveyor and special tradesman to respond to - and resolve - issues raised by residents in a flagship development designed by Kevin McCloud's company Hab.

Residents in the 42-home Triangle development in Swindon have told the BBC they've had problems with cracked walls and ceilings and water leaks.

The Triangle is the first development by Haboakus, the joint venture between Kevin McCloud's company Hab and the 10,000-home housing association GreenSquare.

A statement from Haboakus said the build of the scheme was "in the hands of the construction team" and for legal reasons it could not go into detail about the position of the contractor.

The company said: "The design of The Triangle is outstanding and innovative and that's why the scheme has won so many awards. Its social objectives are also beginning to be realised and are, in the main, successful.

"It is hugely upsetting that residents have had to bear the brunt of the problems and we can confirm that GreenSquare, which is responsible for maintenance and repairs, has appointed a full time surveyor and specialist tradesmen,  specifically to respond to - and resolve - issues raised by residents."

Work on the Triangle development commenced at the beginning of May 2010; with residents moving into the new homes at the end of June 2011.

It comprises homes for Intermediate Rent and Rent To Homebuy - and homes for affordable rent to local people registered with Swindon Borough Council.

According to the Haboakus website, the development is designed around "a strong sense of community, a belief in the importance of public space, respect for cyclists and pedestrians, and a commitment to sustainable lifestyles and outstanding contextual design."