Landslide issues in dundee

shedboy83 · 18th November 2009, 20:42

Just looking for some feedback here before i take this further with Stewart Milne Homes North or the local national press.

The issue here relates to a recent landslide on common ground at the rear of one of the properties, this property has been built for less than 2 years so as far as i am concerned this should be covered under warranty.

But as usual the builder is trying to walk away from this, trying to blame it on storm damage!! More like there drainage system was never correct in the first place which has lead to the slide.

Money wise it will only cost each property owner £16.00 but at the end of the day i feel its a cost that the builder should meet.

I am considering putting a letter through all 100 property owners doors and also involving the local councilor is this a waste of time or worth carrying out, looking round the development there are other issues with at least 3 houses having to be wet dashed again, due to the wet dash falling off, the last thing a builder needs here is bad press.................but thats what lies ahead i think!!

shedboy83 · 18th November 2009, 20:52

Anybody else viewing this and wants to help set up a group to sort this out please contact me.

marlyn1 · 19th November 2009, 17:03

Advice is go to your MSP, we had to with Stewart Milne in the south area of Scotland. Milne's customer care is pathetic. I also wrote to a sunday newspaper, but as we had to revert to a lawyer Milne put a gagging order on us in order to carry out the repairs. Our MSP was excellent and wrote to the head office requesting a response.

Milne blame quite a lot of their incompetence on "storm damage" and fail to repair ailments to an adequate standard resulting in double the amount of time you have to wait in for their workmen.

It will not be the first time they receive a letter from a MSP or a letter from the tabloid and i do not think you will be the last.

Any further queries about getting your repair carried out let me know, i am still in battle nearly 3 years after purchasing a "luxury house", but start with your MSP and the media.

Also consider looking at your house insurance for legal cover or trade association at work that may cover legal fees in order that you can sue them. You can review the outstanding court actions raised against them on the Scottish Courts web page.

trolldoll · 21st November 2009, 22:00

I have had drainage problems in a new build property north of Aberdeen and the only way I got anywhere was going to local press, local gossip goes very far and word of mouth is a great way of getting the issue out to the rest of your neighbours. They have now been ordered by Building Control to get their act together on this problem and future developments. As you are in Dundee i suggest, I think, the courier, but as Stewart Milne is big in Aberdeen get the Press and Journal to try and run a story. Also contact your councillor for your area as they have to listen to your concerns, especially as homes may be at risk from the landslide. Especially at the moment as there is a possible landslide at Pennan making headlines in Banffshire. Speak to building control at the council as well and get them to chase them. Get him to tell you if their is a community council for your area as well.

Why should they be allowed to continue building properties below standard. It is an offence not to comply with building regulations and falsify a completion certificate, if this is the case for you. Have a look at Scottish Executive website and look at Buildin Scotland Act. Boring but gives you insight to what they are not allowed to do.

Good luck

marlyn1 · 23rd November 2009, 22:09

The "Judge" in the Sunday Mail is a good start. I had a gagging order placed on me by Stewart Milne when I wrote to the judge or they wouldn't carry out the repair work. Some other unhappy customers have e mailed this newspaper, so the more the better. I would do it now whilst others have done it and you have not involved lawyers.

Stewart Milne are terrified of the bad publicity in this climate. The Judge will correspond with them and as I said a letter from your MSP to Stewart Milne in Aberdeen goes a long way too.

More people need to stand up to this organisation