Upmarket Development Branded 'A Disaster'

Residents at one of Glasgow's most upmarket developments have claimed that the former Sheriff Court conversion has been plagued by problems.Homeowners have formed a residents' association to resolve complaints about the building, which was converted by Persimmon Homes a year ago.

They claim to have suffered flooding several times and say they were left without heating or hot water in winter.

A Persimmon Homes spokesman said it was aware of various snagging issues.

Some residents paid about £215,000 for a one-bedroom luxury flat in the former court building.

Stephen Elliot, 32, a sales performance coach and resident, said the amount of snagging problems were difficult to calculate because there were so many.

"This has been an unremitting disaster and a nightmare for the majority of residents," he said.

"I know a man who has been flooded out five times. I have been decanted for two weeks to get some outstanding work done.

"When I came back, to add insult to injury, the floor was damaged.

"The amount of snagging problems are difficult to calculate as there are so many.

"This is really not good enough when you consider that this is one of the most expensive developments in the city."

The 62-apartment project retains the court's B listed neo-classical exterior but blends it with a modern interior, including an open-air central courtyard.

Another resident, Jane Kelsy, 34, said the finish in the entire development had been "a major problem".

"People have even started a residents' association to try to get their issues resolved," she said.

"I have been here a year and if I'd known what it would be like, I would never have moved here.

"The heating broke down threee times over the winter period, leaving people without hot water or heating.

"This isn't a luxury development, it's a disaster area."

A spokesman for Persimmon Homes said it had not been contacted by residents as an association but was working with individuals through its customer care department.

Snagging at the development
Persimmon has promised to rectify any problems

"We would like to assure those involved that we take matters of this nature extremely seriously," he said.

"Balfour Beatty was employed as the main contractor on this development and where they have failed to complete snagging works we have employed others to assist in closing down any outstanding issues."

"We can confirm the two residents named in this article have had all but one issue resolved, that being the replacement kitchen floor tiling work, which has been agreed to be completed.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused to the purchasers at Sheriff Court."

He added that any residents who had an issue with their new home should contact the company.

"We will make every effort to rectify the situation promptly," he said.