Retirees Return from Vacation to Find Their Home in the Center of a Development (5 photos)

Martina Le Bart and her husband left their home in Parklands, UK, for six months to visit family and babysit their newborn granddaughter. When they returned home, they found 129 new buildings being built around their home. This disrupted their privacy and had a negative impact on their mental health.





“Our house went from being the most beautiful to the worst when these big buildings went up,” Martina says of the property, which the couple has owned since 1992.

'We were shocked when we came home after Christmas and saw two-storey cottages right next to us.'



The development is being built by Tilia Homes and was approved by North Devon Council in 2021. However, the couple say they were not involved in the formal discussions about the plan.

'We didn't know because we got the wrong plan,' says Martina. 'I only just remembered that in the summer of 2021 they showed us the papers. The minutes said there were no neighbours. It's not surprising because no one was informed.'





The builders are disturbing the pensioners' sleep. In addition, the cottages on the west side have blocked the sunlight. Because of this, Martina can no longer dry her clothes on the line.

"Our grandchildren come to stay with us for three weeks, and on sunny days we have lunch in the garden. But now the residents will see us."



A Tilia Homes spokesperson said: “As a responsible developer, we are committed to minimising disruption. Construction can be challenging for neighbours and we work hard to minimise the impact. Our Cashmere Park scheme, which was approved by North Devon Council in 2021, will deliver 129 homes of between two and four bedrooms, with over 20 per cent of these homes being affordable. The scheme includes two acres of open public space, a children’s playground and will include biodiversity protections including tree conservation. We have also committed to investing over £1.4m in education, public transport and local infrastructure. We would like to reassure residents that all building work is being carried out in accordance with the approved plan, which has not changed since permission was granted."



"Work is being carried out Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. These hours are clearly marked for all contractors. If any residents notice activity outside of these hours, we encourage them to report it directly so that we can respond promptly."