THE long running saga over outstanding money owed to Redditch Borough Council by Persimmon Homes may finally becoming to an end.
Last Friday, October 25, Parliamentary Candidate Rachel Maclean brought together Borough Council Leader Matt Dormer and the managing director of Persimmon Homes North Midlands, Liam Scott, in the hope of finding a speedy resolution to this ongoing saga.
Back in January, Mrs Maclean began working with Batchley & Brockhill Councillors, Gemma Monaco and Nyear Nazir, on this issue after it was discovered not all the assets, including open spaces, street lights and land, have been handed over to the local council by the developer.
This was despite these developments being completed up to 20 years ago.
As a result it meant Redditch Borough Council was unable to maintain the land and open spaces – to the anger and frustration of residents, as well as local councillors.
The situation was doubly frustrating for the council as it was waiting for the release of up to £500,000 in Section 106 money which is cash paid by a developer to mitigate the impact of new homes on the local community.
The Section 106 money cannot be paid until all assets are handed over to the local council.
However, following the meeting last Friday, agreement was reached on a plan for the Section 106 owed to Redditch Borough Council to finally be paid.
And, by working with the council, immediate action will be taken by Persimmon to maintain open spaces, street lights and land until the assets have all been handed over to the council.
A delighted Mrs Maclean said: “This is a win for the residents of Redditch. Finally there is light at the end of the tunnel and these long-standing issues can be put to bed.
“I have to give credit to Persimmon for putting their hands up and admitting they got it wrong. They also apologised in the meeting for the handling of this situation and are just as keen as I and the council are to see these issues resolved.
“I must also pay tribute to the work of the Brockhill Residents Association, as well as Councillors Matt Dormer, Gemma Monaco and Nyear Nazir for all that they have done on this issue.
“They have worked hard to address the concerns of residents in Batchley & Brockhill and in other parts of town affected by these issues with Persimmon.”
