Building grinds to a halt at Orchard Gate

These two houses being built were left untouched for more than a week after the bricklayers left the site

Problems blew up with developer Crest Nicholson over the standards of work as the 200-home site in Upper Shoreham Road, next to Southlands Hospital, neared completion.

Crest Nicholson said it was building apartments that offered a taste of luxury at an affordable price.

Christine Tiernan, sales and marketing director for Crest Nicholson South, said: “We terminated our agreement with the building contractor at Orchard Gate as their work wasn’t up to the quality and standard that Crest Nicholson expects.

“We have since employed another contractor to complete the build.”

The new sales office was opened by Adur Council chairman Mike Mendoza in August, after the previous sales office was cleared to make room for more houses.

Crest Nicholson said sales had been going well at the site and there were now only two homes remaining to buy, both two-bedroom duplexes.