A DEVELOPER building 180 houses in Stretton has issued an apology for any inconvenience the temporary closure of a footpath could cause.

Homes England and Barratt Homes are working together to deliver 180 homes on land bounded by Pewterspear Green Road and Stretton Road.

Residents have raised concerns after being informed Barratt’s is temporarily closing the public footpath at Pewterspear Green Road – with some saying they were not properly notified.

But Barratt Homes has issued a statement on the matter.

A spokesman said: “We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by the closure of the footpath.

“There are alternative pedestrian routes available.

“In order to minimise disruption, we will endeavour to locally divert the path around the works and keep the closure period to a minimum.

“It was agreed that the local school’s parent e-mail system was an effective way of communicating with parents, as we are in regular contact with the school.

“We also regularly communicate with Cllr Judith Wheeler and Pewterspear Green Trust throughout the project.”

It is not the first time the developer has caused problems for residents in the area.

The council launched a planning enforcement investigation in January after it failed to adhere to the approved traffic route for construction workers.

The authority, which was also investigating noise complaints earlier this year, has vowed to keep residents updated on the footpath issue.

“We can confirm that an application for the installation of a sewer pipe across the footway has been received, however, no permit to carry out the works or closure of the footpath has been granted,” said a spokesman.

Ward councillor Judith Wheeler says she is ‘happy an agreement has been reached’.

She added: “It shows the importance of proper communication between each party.”

Work started on the site in December, with completion of the project earmarked for 2021.