Folks on an estate plagued by delays fixing pavements and streetlamps are pleading with the council to finally take over the running of basic amenities, more than a decade after families started moving in.

People living at Queen's Hills, on the edge of Costessey, say that they often face long waits for infrastructure problems in the area to be fixed.

Such issues are currently dealt with by the consortium of six developers who are building the estate.

Responsibility for things like roads, streetlights and play parks will eventually pass to Norfolk County Council as part of a process known as 'adoption'.

Norwich Evening News: Some of the homes in Queen's Hills in Costessey, NorwichSome of the homes in Queen's Hills in Costessey, Norwich (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

But 16 years after work started on the site, and around 15 years after the first families moved in, there is still no sign of this happening, causing growing frustration for locals.

Gary Blundell, a town councillor who lives in Queen's Hills, said the transfer should be speeded up.

"At the moment you have to contact the developers and it is a long trail to sort out a problem.

"The most common issues are roads and lights."

Construction began at Queen's Hills, near the Longwater Retail Park and A47, in around 2006.

It has just under 2,000 homes, a primary school, and West Costessey Hall community centre, which have all been completed.

The only parts still waiting to be finished are around 20 homes and a Co-op store and three other commercial units currently being built in Fieldfare Way.

Norwich Evening News: Gary Blundell (left), Dan Burrill, who are on Costessey Town Council, and Sharon Blundell, who is county councillor for Costessey, by the bus lane connecting Queen's Hills estate and Old Costessey in 2021Gary Blundell (left), Dan Burrill, who are on Costessey Town Council, and Sharon Blundell, who is county councillor for Costessey, by the bus lane connecting Queen's Hills estate and Old Costessey in 2021 (Image: Danielle Booden)

Dan Burrill, chairman of Costessey Town Council, said: "I am hoping that things can speed up now. It has gone on far too long, for a variety of reasons.

"Having the adoption process sorted gives people certainty. It would be a lot easier and quicker to act on people's concerns."

He added the fact there was only one road in and out of the 1,879 home estate was a "failure".

The single access road has long been a source of controversy. Locals say it can create traffic gridlock in the event of congestion at Longwater.

Once the adoption process is complete, folks hope traffic issues might be easier to resolve.

The town council took over West Costessey Hall community centre a year ago and South Norfolk Council has adopted Queen's Hills Country Park, just leaving responsibility for maintenance with the consortium.

Norwich Evening News: Homes in Queen's Hills estate in Costessey, NorwichHomes in Queen's Hills estate in Costessey, Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley)

A county council spokesman said the timescale for the adoption was "out of our hands".

"We are keen to ensure that outstanding issues are resolved and responsibilities can be transferred to the local authority," he added.

He said the authority was waiting for more information from the consortium, which would allow for final inspections to take place for the main road through Queen's Hills - Sir Alfred Munnings Way - and a new unused bus lane linking West Costessey Hall and Ringland Lane, which leads to West End in Old Costessey.

"If final inspections highlight any issues, such as streetlights not working, these will need to be addressed before adoption takes place.

"Until any adoptions are final the bus gate can continue to be able to be opened in exceptional circumstances," according to the spokesman.

The consortium was approached for comment but did not respond.