Building flaws force residents out of homes on award-winning Holt estate

The Lodge Close 33-home development at Holt which was commended in the North Norfolk District Council Graham Allen conservation and design awards. (Image: Archant)

Shocked householders in Victory Housing Trust's Lodge Close, Holt, were given the news at a meeting called by the trust.

Remedial work is due to begin in October and some residents have been told they could be away from their homes for six weeks.

In 2011 the new 33-home estate won a North Norfolk District Council Graham Allen award for the quality of its design. But Victory chief executive John Archibald said poor ventilation under the floors was making them wet.

Estate builders Lingwood-based JS Hay had gone out of business and Victory had to sort out the problem.

All costs would be covered by a National House Building Council (NHBC) warranty.

He added: 'We are very conscious that this is going to create a great deal of disruption for residents and we will keep them fully briefed.'

Rosemary Vincent, who lives with husband Christopher in a Lodge Close bungalow, said they were in a state of shocked disbelief.

'We weren't told at the meeting how long we'll be out for, where we'll be going, or when,' said Mrs Vincent.

Two years ago the couple's kitchen floor had become so uneven it had to be replaced by Victory. Lucy Heathfield, partner Jamie Barnes and their nine-month-old baby Freya moved into their shared-ownership house two months ago.

Ms Heathfield wants to know why the problem was not mentioned when the deal was going through.

She added: 'It's all freshly painted and just how we want it. Now we've got to move out. We don't know whether we'll be able to spend our first Christmas with our baby here, and that's important to us.'

Have you been affected? Email alex.hurrell@archant.co.uk