A worried mother fears a massive landslide could engulf her home after builders left a 35-foot-deep excavation unfinished just ten metres from her living room. Bethanie Bailey, 35, lives on Carr Street in Ramsbottom, Bury, Greater Manchester, with her husband Andy Hillel, 40, and their five-month-old daughter.
The abandoned pit
The excavation was dug into a steep hillside and has been left unstable. It now covers half an acre and continues to erode. Part of a neighbour's garden has already collapsed into the hole. Ms Bailey said: 'I worry every night about the worst-case scenario – it collapses and causes major damage. Or even worse, it could kill us.'
Background of the development
Planning permission had been granted for a five-bedroom mansion with a cinema room on the plot between Carr Street and Tanners Street. Work began in January 2025 but stopped in October after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a Stop Notice requiring steps to prevent slope movement. The developer, Blakeman Design and Build, had already entered liquidation in March 2024.
Residents' concerns
An elderly neighbour behind the plot also fears her home could be destroyed, as ten per cent of her 80-foot garden has already slipped into the pit. The homeowners say no real attempts have been made to clear up the site, and they are living in constant fear. The surrounding houses are unsellable due to the pit.
Developer's response
David Blakeman of Blakeman Design and Build claims he discovered a drain on the land that was not on any planning documents, which he says is causing water leaks. He alleges the HSE will not let him work until the site is safe, but he cannot make it safe until water leaks from neighbouring homes are stopped. United Utilities denies the claim and says the water is clean and not from its network.
Council and HSE actions
Bury Council says it is a complex issue involving the landowner, HSE, United Utilities, and residents. The Building Control Service has investigated and concluded there is no immediate danger to the public. The HSE confirmed they took enforcement action to stop work until safety is demonstrated. Local councillor Gareth Staples-Jones is working to resolve the issue.
Ms Bailey has started a petition with over 800 signatures demanding the council stabilise the bank and recover costs from the developer. She said: 'I'm disappointed everyone has pushed us aside. It feels like they are waiting for something catastrophic to happen.'
