I won’t let my kids play by our new build house – we were promised a lush park but it’s a rubbish-filled scrap of land

PARENTS have banned their kids from playing outside their £700,000 new build homes because it is a rubbish-filled scrap of land.

They also forbid them from sitting on the grass in fear of the weeds and debris hurting them.

Developer Avant Homes promised residents a green estate with trees, a lake and freshly trimmed grass in Yarm, North Yorkshire, but instead left an unfinished and overgrown scrap of land. 

And a nearby football pitch that the homeowners were told kids could use has since been sold to a third party who have banned the children from playing on it. 

Intensive care doctor Andy, 34, who moved in with wife Kimberley two years ago, said: “Our child is too young to use it but half of the young families around here moved because of that, so it’s disappointing.”

Lecturer Kimberly, 33, added: “They haven’t lived up to their promises. I let my child sit on the grass on the other estates but I wouldn’t put her down over there. 

“It would probably even be rough for a dog. It’s a real shame.”

The couple, who have a newborn baby, also had several snagging issues including a broken shower that still needs replacing. 

Andy added: “It’s unbelievable and disappointing. We're worried it's going to have an impact on the house value if it isn't resolved."

Salon owner David Patterson, 40, has to look over three gardens instead of a field he was promised.

He added: "They haven't cut down any of the weeds. I've just had a child and would love to take my kid to see the ducks and walk around the lake but that's not going to happen."

The residents are withholding their monthly £100 maintenance fee in an attempt to force the developers to finish the rundown area.

Retired hospitality trainer Sue Bell, 55, moved out in April because the developers failed to carry out work she was promised.

She said: "I was told we would have a lovely green area but it's awful.

"They said it would be done and how lovely it would be but they didn't live up to expectations."

Another resident who paid £450,000 for their home called the estate a complete eyesore, adding: "It's an absolute disgrace."

An Avant Homes spokesperson said: “We have conducted an audit of our Tall Trees development in Yarm and have identified landscaped areas for improvement.

“We are working closely with Stockton Borough Council to complete the landscaping works in accordance with our approved planning permission.”