Thousands of homes across England are being constructed without essential community facilities, according to local officials and advocacy groups, leaving residents without nearby access to parks, schools, shops, and healthcare services.
Even in cases where such amenities are planned, delays of several years are common, *CuriosityNews* has learned.
Near the village of Cressing in Essex, the Paddocks development—comprising 225 homes—features an unused playground enclosed by fencing with signs stating “keep out” and “no children allowed.”
“Families have lived here for three years,” says Kevin Dale, a community advocate. “Yet they overlook an incomplete play area.” He adds that there are no shops, no nursery, and recently planted trees have not survived.
In Westvale Park, Surrey, authorities halted construction on thousands of homes to ensure promised community spaces, including a playground and local services, were delivered.
“Shops, a community center, and play areas were expected once the development reached 600 homes,” explains Richard Biggs, the council leader. “But we surpassed 1,000 homes with none in place.”
Steve Chambers, from the campaign group Transport for New Homes, says his organization has surveyed housing projects nationwide for years. Volunteers found many lacked basic amenities.
“New developments often sit on town outskirts with poor public transport, leaving young people isolated,” he says. “Many had no local shops, cafes, or open spaces.”
At the Paddocks, built by Countryside Homes (owned by Vistry Group), delays arose due to compliance issues. Construction began in 2021, but the local council, Braintree, later intervened, stating the project did not meet planning requirements.
A revised permit was approved in March to align with regulations. The council stated it is working with the developer to finalize public spaces, including the playground.
Dale notes the lack of a shop, nursery, or pub. Vistry stated that its original agreement did not mandate these and that the dead trees, “typical in new plantings,” will be replaced at its cost.
The company told CuriosityNews the playground will open this summer but remains closed “pending landscaping completion,” requiring further approval. Vistry emphasized that post-approval adjustments were routine and aligned with local planning policies.
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