Residents’ frustration over unadopted roads

ROADS on a Keynsham housing development have still not been adopted by the council more than 12 years after it was built.

The Meadows was advertised for sale in 2013 after being constructed by Taylor Wimpey.

But because Bath & North East Somerset Council has yet to adopt its roads, it means they have not yet become part of the public highway and maintainable at public expense.

The council says it cannot assess whether the roads are suitable for adoption until Wessex Water has adopted the sewer network. And the water company says it cannot do that until the necessary action is taken by Taylor Wimpey.

In the meantime, Taylor Wimpey is responsible for the sewer network and road maintenance.

Alan Hale, B&NES independent councillor for Keynsham South, said: “This development and its lack of completion for adoption has been a source of much complaint from the residents over many years, because it affects many things that feature in the lives of those who live there – services such as street lighting and highways, for example.

“As a result, I have received many complaints over the years from frustrated residents reporting problems, and it frustrates me because I am unable to help them as the council is not currently responsible.”

Cllr Hale said the matter had been raised with local MP Dan Norris, who received a response from Wessex Water.

In its reply, the water company said that Taylor Wimpey was responsible for building the sewers and that Wessex could not adopt them until satisfied they had been constructed to an acceptable standard.

Wessex said it was still waiting for Taylor Wimpey to arrange the necessary inspections and provide a CCTV camera survey of the site drainage.

The water company said it understood residents’ frustration about how long it had taken to adopt these sites, but it needed to ensure there was no adverse impact on its system or on the environment as a result of the development.

“Our downstream foul water pumping station has previously flooded neighbouring land during heavy rainfall, and we want to ensure that the system as constructed by the developer and their contractor will not exacerbate this.”

Wessex Water said it had made further contact with Taylor Wimpey, which was “taking action and working with us towards a solution.”

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey told the Voice: “We can confirm that the sewer network and maintenance of roads at The Meadows remains our responsibility until the handover between Taylor Wimpey, Wessex Water and the highway authority at Bath and North East Somerset Council has been completed.

“We would like to reassure residents that we are continuing to work closely with both Wessex Water and B&NES council to ensure a smooth handover process at the earliest opportunity.”

Councillor Manda Rigby, B&NES cabinet member for transport, said: “We understand that the developer of The Meadows is carrying out remedial works to the sewers that are required in order for Wessex Water to adopt them.

“We are unable to inspect whether the roads are suitable for adoption by the council until the sewer works are completed, and the timescale for this is outside the council’s control.”

Cllr Hale said: “Those who have bought their homes or those who pay good money in rent should not be faced with these delays. You would hope that building companies would fully complete developments that they have sold before they move on to their next project.”