Lucas Zoricak first moved into The Quarry on Chalk Road with his partner in May last year, drawn by the promise of a “quiet location” with access to nature.
However, the couple say their expectations were quickly dashed.
On behalf of himself and his neighbours, the 39-year-old told the News Shopper: “When they talked about giving us a nature area, retaining some of the original features of the quarry, and keeping its appearance, it sounded really appealing.
“In 2020, when the plans were approved, it seemed like a great location, so we decided to buy the property because of how it was advertised and what we believed would actually happen.”
However, Lucas and his partner have been left disappointed due to several ongoing issues.
He said: “From the start, it’s been a nightmare.
“Basic maintenance hasn’t been carried out properly.
“The car park is filthy, the gardens are neglected, and the lighting is inadequate.
(Image: Lucas Zoricak)
“We’ve paid our service charges expecting these things to be taken care of, but it just hasn’t happened.”
Lucas also described ongoing safety concerns at the site, explaining that certain areas make residents feel uneasy.
He said families with young children are particularly affected, with some neighbours avoiding parts of the development after dark because they do not feel safe.
He highlighted breaches of planning law and failures to follow through on the original approved plans.
Lucas claims that trees which were meant to be protected have no barriers or fences, and that recent construction works are causing dust to blow into flats.
He added that he has been reporting issues to councillors and enforcement departments for months but described the process as “exhausting”.
Residents are also facing practical difficulties, according to Lucas.
He explained: “Delivery drivers can’t find flats because there are no signs, even after a year and a half.
“The gardens, which were meant to be landscaped and maintained, are mostly dead shrubs and trees.
“Our cars get covered in dust and mud from the neglected underground car park.
“You pay for these services, but they aren’t delivered.”
Lucas said that residents are now trying to set up a residents’ association to have a stronger voice.
“Most people don’t even know who to complain to,” he explained.
He added that the ongoing neglect has led some residents to consider selling and leaving.
“People are just exhausted.
“We were promised a safe, pleasant environment, and instead, we’re left dealing with constant stress and uncertainty.
“It shouldn’t be this way for people who have just bought their first homes.”
The News Shopper contacted developer L&Q for a comment, but they failed to meet the deadline.
