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FENCED OFF

Our picturesque home was destroyed by newbuild developers… they built a privacy fence but it flooded our garden

The flooding has left the couple "unable" to sell their £900,000 home

DEVASTATED homeowners say their garden was flooded after new build developers threw up a massive estate next door.

Taylor Wimpey agreed to build a privacy fence around Amanda and Mick Tolhursts' garden while they constructed homes in Uckfield, East Sussex.

Amanda Tolhurst says Taylor Wimpey have 'destroyed' her cottage with flooding
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Amanda Tolhurst says Taylor Wimpey have 'destroyed' her cottage with floodingCredit: Images Andrew Gardner/The Argus
She claims her emails and complaints have seen 'horrible' Taylor Wimpey allege the flooding issues 'have got nothing to do with them'
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She claims her emails and complaints have seen 'horrible' Taylor Wimpey allege the flooding issues 'have got nothing to do with them'Credit: Images Andrew Gardner/The Argus
Developers erected the privacy fence in 2017 while the Ridgewood Place estate was built
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Developers erected the privacy fence in 2017 while the Ridgewood Place estate was builtCredit: Images Andrew Gardner/The Argus

But when builders dug "crater-sized" trenches surrounding the couple's property, it triggered flooding in their garden.

Amanda, 74, told : "Our cottage has been totally destroyed.

"It's a terrible situation and it's taken over our lives."

The pensioner says the pair have fought Taylor Wimpey for five years as the work left them "unable" to sell their £900,000 home.

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She claims they have blown their "life savings" battling the company.

Developers erected the privacy fence in 2017 while the Ridgewood Place estate was built.

Three, four and five bedroom homes on the development cost between £365,500 to £659,995.

But the couple claim Taylor Wimpey breached the contract and took ground that belonged to them.

Amanda claims the ordeal has left her "suicidal" and accuses developers of "bullying" the pair and trying to force them out the property.

She claims her emails and complaints have seen "horrible" Taylor Wimpey allege the flooding issues "have got nothing to do with them".

A spokesperson for the firm said: "We are aware of the issue raised by the neighbour of our Ridgewood Place development and apologise for any distress caused. 

"Taylor Wimpey is committed to doing the right thing and has proposed a number of practical solutions to help resolve the issue. 

"We continue to engage closely with the individual and expert advisers to reach a fair and agreeable outcome for all involved."

The couple claim Taylor Wimpey breached the contract and took ground that belonged to them
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The couple claim Taylor Wimpey breached the contract and took ground that belonged to themCredit: Images Andrew Gardner/The Argus
Amanda says she and husband Mick have fought Taylor Wimpey for five years as the work left them 'unable' to sell their £900,000 home
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Amanda says she and husband Mick have fought Taylor Wimpey for five years as the work left them 'unable' to sell their £900,000 homeCredit: Images Andrew Gardner/The Argus
The couple say a boundary fence has cut them off from their land
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The couple say a boundary fence has cut them off from their landCredit: Images Andrew Gardner/The Argus
Three, four and five bedroom homes on the development cost between £365,500 to £659,995
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Three, four and five bedroom homes on the development cost between £365,500 to £659,995Credit: Images Andrew Gardner/The Argus
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