Residents voice concern as work at housing development is delayed

Residents of Dinting have voiced concerns over potential delays at ‘The Brambles’ housing development after its groundworks contractor, Caldwell Construction Limited, recently went into administration.

The Stoke-on-Trent and Warrington-based firm, which employed over 400 people and provided groundwork services for multiple national housebuilders, cited cashflow issues and challenging trading conditions in the construction sector as reasons for its collapse.  

Local homeowners say they are worried about the impact this will have on the progress of The Brambles, a development by Seddon Homes, which has already been a source of disturbance for nearby residents. Complaints include ongoing mess, blocked footpaths, flooding and damage to roads and gardens caused by unsecured site materials. 

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Chronicle: 

“Through 2025 we have been inconvenienced many times with full road closures, damaged highways and multiple potholes. Site materials have not been secured properly and have blown down The Shaw into gardens. The contractor never came to clean up and we had to put it in our bins.  

“The flooding on Dinting Road has been continuous, all the soil, clay and minerals off the site has been running all the way down Shaw Lane. Our cars are constantly dirty. 

Also, the public footpath right of way will close soon as they build across the site. This will affect all local residents with a division forcing students up The Shaw where there is no pavement, increasing the risk to the children walking to school.” 

The resident also highlighted worries about the impact of the development on local infrastructure and school capacity, noting the strain on an already oversubscribed catchment area. 

Seddon Homes Managing Director Michael Jefferson responded: 

“We were sorry to hear of Caldwell Construction going into administration, having worked with them for a number of years across a range of projects. However, we can confirm that we are in the final stages of securing an alternative groundworks contractor to ensure a seamless transition, with minimal impact on our programme. 

“The Brambles remains one of our best-selling new developments, and we are fully committed to completing this high-quality scheme with as little disruption or delay as possible. We are confident that the appointment of a new contractor will allow works to continue smoothly. 

In relation to the public footpath that runs through the development, this is being managed in close consultation with the local authority. Approval has been granted to temporarily close the footpath from Monday 23rd February, with a clearly signed alternative route in place. This is to ensure the safety of residents and the wider public while construction activity continues in the area. 

“We understand that building works can cause temporary inconvenience, and we would like to thank local residents for their continued patience and understanding. We are working hard to minimise disruption wherever possible and remain confident that The Brambles will be a positive addition that enhances the local area once complete.” 

The Brambles is described on the Seddon Homes website as “a charming new-build development” offering three, four and five-bedroom homes designed for families, professionals and downsizers. The company emphasises the blend of suburban living with easy access to the countryside, and stresses that the development is “more than a development; it’s a place to call home.” 

Residents say they hope that construction will continue without prolonged delays and that local disruptions will be properly managed until the project is completed.