Residents of the upmarket Darwin Green development in Cambridge are in shock after developers confirmed that 36 homes must be demolished and rebuilt due to faulty foundations. The properties, worth up to £750,000, are part of a large-scale development 1.6 miles from the city centre.
Barratt David Wilson Homes stated that during inspections, some unoccupied homes failed to meet their 'usual high standards'. The company decided that demolishing and rebuilding was the 'most effective course of action', with costs estimated at £31 million.
Local Liberal Democrat councillor Cheney Payne expressed disbelief upon learning of the planned demolition, noting that many buildings were nearly complete. She highlighted concerns from residents of nearby properties about the safety of their own homes, also built by the same developer.
Labour councillor Simon Smith called on the developer to take responsibility and provide records of soil layers and as-built foundations. He warned that the situation underscores risks from deregulation of building standards.
Cambridge City Council confirmed it was informed of the issues last week but has yet to receive a demolition application. A council spokesperson said officers will work with the community and developer to control any impacts from the works.
