Squirrel Wood: Residents criticise Basingstoke development

The Squirrel Wood development, in Rooksdown, has been criticised by locals for a range of issues, including waterlogged green spaces and missing amenities such as lampposts and parking spaces.

The development, which consists of 120 homes, was launched as part of a pilot scheme in 2018, allowing homebuyers to customise their homes from a variety of layout options, including the number and size of rooms.

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However, residents have pointed out a range of issues with the homes, creating a 'communal area snagging list', an itemised checklist of problems they want the developer of the properties, Places for People, to fix.

This includes steps leading to the underpass causing flooding when it rains, as the water run-off pools at the bottom of the steps.

Rooksdown Parish Council has also echoed concerns, saying they are taking 'proactive steps to address the situation' by working alongside residents.

A spokesperson for Places for People said: "We are sorry for the inconvenience that these works are causing our customers.

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"We are working closely with the appropriate stakeholders to remedy the outstanding items that need to be completed at Squirrel Wood.

“We are in regular contact with the Local Authority and Highways Authority to find a solution to the localised flooding in the area.

"We will update our customers when we have the authority to proceed with any work to the steps near the underpass.

“If customers need any additional support in relation to Squirrel Wood they can contact our customer service team at aftercaresw@placesforpeople.co.uk.”

They added that they do not own, or are responsible for the underpass, and therefore need to obtain approvals and agreements with the relevant authorities in order to commence work.