The family and their neighbours are less than pleased with the dangerous area that their homes are in
A family that has recently relocated to their ideal residence is now concerned that their children may be at risk of harm in their backyard.
The couple has expressed their apprehension about spending time in their garden, as they fear for the safety of their children.
Before making any assumptions, it is important to clarify that this situation is unrelated to any criminal activities, nor is it a result of poor landscaping. In fact, the home is situated in a location that is highly undesirable.
Rebecca Dixon, aged 29, and her husband Alex, aged 32, are inhabitants of a newly constructed residential estate, where they recently became aware of the presence of some rather noisy and, to be honest, bothersome neighbors.
These have become very troublesome to residents in the Allerton estate (Newcastle Chronicle)
The residence located in Callerton, Newcastle, is a semi-detached house featuring two bedrooms. It was purchased for £134,000 in November 2022, and the family relocated there in August 2023.
The Dixons, who have a four-year-old daughter named Lily and a 12-week-old son named Alfie, assert that the developers did not notify them that their residence would be adjacent to the Westerhope Golf Club.
It has been reported that they are currently unable to utilize their back garden, as golf balls often strike their property at high speeds, despite the presence of a tall fence separating them from the golf course.
In discussing the hazards associated with proximity to the golf club, Rebecca remarked, “From the very beginning, golf balls have been coming over. My garden has experienced an influx of golf balls, and I have come close to being struck by one. Additionally, my neighbor has also encountered golf balls in her garden.”
She stated, “I have a four-year-old daughter and a 12-week-old son. If they were struck by a golf ball, the consequences could be fatal. It is not merely a matter of a broken leg; they would sustain severe injuries. Our garden is unusable, forcing me to take them to a playground instead.”
The British individual asserted that a golf ball had shattered the window of a vehicle located across the street.
Residents think that the net isn’t tall enough to protect them and their kids (Newcastle Chronicle)
The customer support representative asserts that they were informed the residence would be sufficiently distanced from the golf course to prevent this problem, while still maintaining a view of the course.
The mother of two elaborated, “We were informed that there would be no properties situated behind us, and that we would enjoy a pleasant private garden. However, we did not view the property until the day we exchanged keys, and by then, it was too late.”
The neighbor referred to by Rebecca is Lyn Stott, aged 65, who purchased a comparable property adjacent to hers for £200,000 in 2023. She has also recounted her unfortunate experiences while residing next to the club.
Stott, employed as a responder, recounted an incident: “Since the installation of the netting, I have discovered three golf balls in my garden. While I was ironing the other day with my patio doors open, I suddenly heard a loud bang as a golf ball struck my wall. Had it been just a foot further, it could have penetrated and struck me!”
The grandmother expressed her frustration, revealing that she invested £4,000 in her garden, yet neither she nor her grandchildren can enjoy it due to safety concerns. This situation has left her feeling ‘raging,’ as she was unaware of the proximity to the golf course when she moved in, nor was she informed that a protective net would be constructed, which had not been in place at that time.
Lynn Stott pictured in her garden beside the golf course (Newcastle Chronicle)
Stott asserted that Bellway, the estate’s developers, instructed her to reach out to Newcastle City Council, whereas the council indicated that the matter should be addressed by the housebuilders.
Upon being approached for a comment, a representative from Bellway informed the Newcastle Chronicle: “Bellway has not encountered any prior complaints concerning golf balls landing in residential gardens or the positioning of properties in relation to the golf course.”
The installation of the 12-meter-high golf netting was a crucial stipulation of our planning conditions, aimed at safeguarding homeowners from potential hazards posed by stray golf balls. This netting has been erected by a company that specializes in this type of installation.
The installation of the netting was delayed due to adverse weather conditions and complications related to its supply and installation, resulting in its completion only after residents had already moved into their homes. However, it has now been fully finalized earlier this summer. In light of the concerns raised, we are arranging for a specialist firm to conduct an inspection to verify that the netting is functioning as intended.
In accordance with our established sales protocols, customers receive comprehensive details regarding the location of a plot, along with pertinent information related to the sale, such as its proximity to a golf course. This information is prominently featured in site plans and other essential documents provided to our customers at the time of reservation.
Stott shows off some of the balls she’s collected from her back garden (Newcastle Chronicle)
Furthermore, throughout the conveyancing process, solicitors are responsible for supplying clients with pertinent information regarding their property, its geographical location, and any other significant details.
The statement further elaborated: “Before the legal completion, customers are afforded the chance to visit their new residence for home demonstrations. In this context, it is noteworthy that no complaints have been reported regarding the location of the homes during those visits or thereafter.”
A representative from Newcastle City Council stated that a planning condition was established, mandating Bellway to ensure that golf balls do not strike any properties prior to the sale of any homes.
The installation of a net, which had not been previously established prior to the occupation of the homes, was necessary. The council initiated enforcement measures against Bellway, resulting in the successful installation of the net.
“We are unable to comment on what information Bellway gave to residents about this matter.”
Featured Image Credit: Newcastle Chronicle
