FENLAND: Christchurch not the only unmade up road - Chatteris had them, too

I REFER to your article concerning unfinished roads in Christchurch.

About two years ago I received complaints from residents of St Francis Drive, Chatteris about the unfinished state of their road.

As well as approaching Fenland District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, I took the matter up with the developers myself.

After a few months of bullying and cajoling the works were completed.

I had believed this to be a 'one off' until I learned late last year that in Chatteris there are a number of established housing developments where the roads have still not been adopted by Cambridgeshire County Council.

I drew the matter to the attention of Chatteris Town Council, and we promptly wrote to senior management at Fenland District Council expressing our concerns.

I am not aware that we have yet had a full reply from senior management at FDC, but meantime I understand that the problems have arisen due to planning permissions having been granted without any time limitation for the bringing of roads up to 'adoptable standard'.

In consequence developers have been under no obligation to complete the roads at the same time as the houses.

(Similar situations exist with public open space still not made up to standards suitable for adoption by Fenland District Council.)

It concerns me greatly that with the housing slump and the inevitable demise of many building development companies, our area is destined to be littered with unfinished estate roads and footpaths.

And as a result of the consequent lack of 'adoption', very many people will unexpectedly find themselves responsible for the upkeep of the road outside their home.

I find it astonishing that FDC can regularly boast award winning status when such appalling situations as this have been permitted to exist.

CHRISTINE COLBERT

Chatteris Town Councillor