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Residents' fears over unfinished housing estate

BBC Metal fencing around rubble and cones with green trees surrounding itBBC
Part of the Little Stanion estate near Corby that remains unfinished.

Residents of a housing estate say they feel scared and frustrated after a developer went into administration before its completion.

JME Developments, who were overseeing work on the Little Stanion estate in Corby, Northamptonshire, called in administrators in early May.

It has been under construction for more than a decade but some houses and the village hall have not yet been built.

Jason Smithers, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said the authority was "gathering information to fully understand the issues".

Lake surrounded by green trees, with clouds in the blue sky
A lake is on the doorstep of some Little Stanion residents' homes

John Adjorlolo, 43, who lives on the estate, said his front door opened out on to a lake.

He said it was an "accident waiting to happen" as there were "no barriers or safety" to prevent children from falling in.

"We are scared as residents, any of our kids could walk into the lake and something tragic could happen," he said.

A pub, a multi-use games area and a community hall were all promised four years ago but had yet to be delivered, resident Ray Kilham added.

He said fellow residents had also suffered "trips and falls" due to the "poor state of repairs" on the roads.

Little Stanion resident Ray Kilham
Ray Kilham said residents were concerned about the estate being left unfinished

Conservative Mr Smithers said the council would "continue to monitor the situation" in Little Stanion.

He added the developers going into administration was "disappointing news for all concerned".

Potholes and bumpy, stony road surface with uneven curb
Roads around the estate also remain unfinished and in poor condition

JME Developments said in October that they were hoping to finish the site in 2028, nearly eight years after the original expected completion date.

The company was hoping that North Northamptonshire Council would waive sums it had agreed to pay back to the community for each home sold.

The appointed administrator of JME Developments, Rachel Fowler Advisory, has been contacted for comment.

Ms Fowler previously said she was working with JME to "develop a plan for the way forward".

"We are mindful of the residents already there and want to minimise the impact on them," she said.

The BBC has also contacted JME Developments for a response.

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