January 14, 2011
Roughly 60 people have received compensation after complaining about noise, dust and damage following the opening of a bypass near their homes.
According to local press, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has paid out several undisclosed sums after families living near the Tunstall Northern Bypass, in Sandyford, claimed the road has damaged their properties and created extra noise and dust.
In addition to those who received compensation, a further 25 claims have been assessed by the council and will be paid out in the New Year. However, 53 other claimants have been unsuccessful.
"Each claimant has appointed an agent to act on their behalf and, where compensation is agreed, they have negotiated the settlement with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), which is working on behalf of the city council,” said Head of Highways Pete Price.
"The remaining claims are yet to be decided on because they are still being discussed. The VOA is working hard to process these as quickly as possible."
Claims are being assessed under Part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973 and the council has officially set aside £180,000 to cover claims linked to the road.
Under the Land Compensation Act, compensation can be claimed by people who own or occupy a property which has been reduced in value by more than £50 by physical factors caused by a new or altered road, including noise, vibration, smell, fumes, smoke and artificial lighting.
The situation affecting residents of Sandyford is not uncommon throughout the UK and any homeonwers who feel council structures have affected the value of their property should seek advice on the Land Compensation immediately.
