Cringleford mum freezing cold in Big Sky Living new build

Melissa Self, 33, says the radiators in her three-bedroom house are inadequate for the size of the property and the lack of warmth has caused mould and damp issues.

She moved into the property in the St Giles Park development in Cringleford in 2021 and was the first person to live in the home.  

But since then she says she has been fighting against the cold, which is causing health problems for her children.

Melissa and her children moved into St Giles Park three years ago (Image: Google) "It's been absolutely hell," Melissa, a medical secretary, said.

"We are the first people to have lived in this property since it was built and there's always been a massive problem with condensation and mould.

"My children are constantly falling ill with colds, coughs and chest infections because it's so damp and poorly heated.

"Sometimes I have to run the heating from 8am to 4pm and it still isn't warm enough.

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"How is a working single mum supposed to afford this?"

Melissa said she first raised a complaint with her housing association, Places for People, in 2021. 

An assessor was sent to inspect the home who found the property was severely lacking in radiators which were also too small to adequately heat the space. 

This was made worse by moisture which was appearing through cracks throughout the home and forming mould in her bathroom and all over her furniture. 

Mould and damp has been a problem in the home since Melissa moved in (Image: Melissa Self) Workers went to the property several times over the next two years to make repairs but the mould kept coming back. 

"I've spent the last three years fighting this," Melissa said.

"I even approached the housing standards association to complain. 

"The cost is becoming too much just to heat the place a small amount and with the cost of living crisis it is just getting worse."

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Earlier this year, Places for People and the developer, Big Sky Living, told Melissa the situation would be sorted out by the autumn. 

But with winter fast approaching, she fears for her children who are 14, 11 and three. 

"Two of my kids have disabilities and are constantly saying 'Mummy, why is so cold?'", she said. 

Cracks and holes in the new build have allowed moisture to seep in (Image: Melissa Self) Workers have repeatedly tried to fix the issues but nothing has changed (Image: Melissa Self) "And I'm still having to pay rent every month - it's so frustrating.

"I've been patient enough and more than understanding but enough is enough.

"I want something done now."

A Places for People spokeswoman said: "We are sorry for the time it has taken to put this right.

"We treat every complaint from every customer with the utmost seriousness and our priority is always their safety and wellbeing.

"We are actively liaising with our contractors to resolve the issues our customer has been experiencing as soon as possible."

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Just over 200 homes have been built in St Giles Park so far, but according to developer Big Sky Living, Melissa is the only occupant to raise a complaint about dampness. 

A spokesman said: "The property was awarded an EPC (energy performance certificate) rating of B with the heating and insulation elements of the property being rated as good or very good when it was completed.

"Although the house has been built by the required specifications and regulations, as a gesture of goodwill, Big Sky has been working with Places for People to carry out additional works to address the issues raised by their tenant.

After three years of hell, Melissa has had enough (Image: Melissa Self) "These works are to be carried out this month."  

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