Retired couple came home from six-month holiday to 'find new build estate with 129 houses being built next door'

A couple from North Devon claim they were left 'flabbergasted' after returning home from holiday to find themselves living in the middle of a housing development.

Martine Le Barth and her husband had left their property in South Molton's Parklands estate for six months in order to see family, during which time their granddaughter was born.

However, upon returning home, the pair discovered that 129 new houses were being built around their bungalow - which the pair claim has robbed them of 'their privacy' and negatively impacted their mental health.

"Our house went from being the most desirable to the least desirable with those big buildings so close to us," Martine said of the property, which the couple have owned since 1992.

"We were flabbergasted when we came back after Christmas and saw that they built two-storey houses next us very very close."

Martine Le Barth and her husband say they were 'flabbergasted' to discover two-storey houses built around their bungalow (SWNS)

The estate is being built by Tilia Homes and had been approved by North Devon Council in 2021, however, the couple have since claimed they were unaware of any formal consultation for the current scheme.

"The problem is we didn't know what was going on because they sent us the wrong plan originally," Martine claimed, adding that they had initially believed the consultation had taken place while they were away.

"But then I've realised it was in the summer 2021 when we were here and it says in the minutes of the consultation that no neighbours were there - no wonder because no one was told about it."

The couple's issues with the development have revolved around allegedly having their sleep disturbed by builders, as well as their house now appearing to be overlooked and unable to catch any sunlight.

"I have been really upset about it," Martine said of their new living situation. "They blocked the sunshine as well because they are on the western side of us so I can't put my washing to dry on the line anymore.

"My grandchildren came for three weeks and when it is sunny we eat in the garden. Those people will see us directly."

Martine says the couple have asked for 'frosted windows' as they have 'lost all privacy' (SWNS)

She continued: "Our house went from being the most desirable to the least desirable with those big buildings so close to us."

A spokesperson for Tilia Homes has responded to the story with the following statement: "As a considerate developer, Tilia Homes is committed to minimising disruption to local residents while delivering much-needed homes in South Molton. We understand that construction activity can be challenging for neighbours, and we are actively working to ensure any impact is kept to a minimum.

"Our Cashmere Park development, approved by North Devon Council in 2021, will deliver 129 two to four-bedroom homes, with over 20 per cent allocated as affordable housing. The scheme includes two acres of public open space, a children’s play area, and biodiversity enhancements, including the retention of mature trees. We have also pledged more than £1.4 million in community contributions for education, public transport, and local infrastructure improvements."

The statement continued: "We would like to reassure residents that all construction is being carried out in accordance with the approved planning layout, which has not changed since permission was granted.

Martine says the development means that her garden and several rooms in the house are now overlooked and don't get any direct sunlight (SWNS)

"This layout reflects the design and positioning agreed by the local authority following the statutory planning process.

"Our permitted working hours are 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. These hours are clearly communicated to all contractors, and our site manager oversees daily compliance. If any residents experience activity outside of these times, we encourage them to report it directly so we can investigate promptly.

"We believe that Cashmere Park will make a positive, lasting contribution to South Molton, creating not just homes, but a thriving community. We sincerely appreciate residents’ patience during construction, and we will be contacting Mr and Mrs Le Barth to discuss their concerns directly with them."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for North Devon Council added: "This matter is currently being dealt with through our feedback and complaints procedure.

"However, the impact of new development on existing and future residents is a matter that is duly considered by planning officers as part of the planning process."