Legal Wrangle Over Unfinished Roads At Demesne

DRD Roads Service reveal they are now taking legal action against the original developers of The Demesne on the Ardglass Road, in Downpatrick due to a lack of progress on the site, writes Anne O'Hare.

Pictured left is the entrance of The Demesne, which leads up to unfinished roads.

As the last remaining homes go on sale at a knock down price, Down News understands developers are required to enter into a bond agreement in the event of this situation arising, and DRD Roads Service stated they have used this bond to complete the unfinished roads in The Demesne, as the developer, Micwall, failed to comply with their original agreement. And did not use public funds to complete the work.

Hugh Press, manager of Alexander, Reid and Frazer Estate Agents said Micwall completed the second and third phase of the development over three years ago and since then residents have been left with unfinished roads and no street lighting outside their homes.

However, Micwall have since entered into an arrangement with their creditors and work on the site ground to a halt.

A spokesperson for DRD Road Service claimed they have now taken over the responsibility for the completion of roads within The Demesne. In a statement to Down News they said: “Roads Service instigated enforcement proceedings under the Private Streets Order against Micwall Developments. A contractor has been appointed and is currently on site completing the necessary works required to bring the roads and street lighting up to adoptable standards.”

SDLP Councillor Colin McGrath made an appeal to planning authorities and said: “This is the type of shambles which occurred when planners lost the run of themselves during the boom years. It is the result of greed and it's unfair to the people who bought their homes a number of years ago and have to look out every day at the unfinished roads and poor street lighting.

“Planners need to be more prudent when granting planning permission to contractors and a sincere apology needs to be made to residents who have had to put up with unfinished roads and street lighting which is not working.”

Demesne residents are also faced with having to pay full rates while their services are not yet in place and a spokesperson from the Land and Property Services explained, "Land & Property Services is unaware of any significant issues within The Demesne, Ardglass Road, Downpatrick that would warrant a reduction in the rateable capital value and therefore rate liability. Any applications for a reduction in valuation received by the District Valuer will be considered."

Meanwhile, Micwall were not available for comment as the story was being published.