Calls for Cambs highways to make developers pay bond so roads can be adopted should companies fold

CALLS were made for highways chiefs to ensure a bond is paid so unadopted roads can be completed should developers go out of business.

Cambridgeshire County Council cannot insist that a developer pays a bond, known as a Section 38, which would be held for highways to complete works on new estates.

The call came at last Thursday’s full council meeting when Independent councillor Mark Archer asked for an update on the issue in Charlemont Drive, Manea. At the last meeting in December, he asked if there was a Section 38 in place to complete the road.

Cllr Archer said “Fenland should be encouraging” Section 38 payments.

Councillor Kit Owen, portfolio holder for Shaping Fenland, said: “The issue is out of our hands. It is a matter for the house owners, developers if they still exist and the highways authority.”

Sue Reynolds, county council highways development control officer, agreed at the November meeting of the overview and scrutiny policy panel for problematic estates to be identified so they can be considered as high priority for highways action. A list of sites to be completed should have been shared with the panel by the end of 2010.

Councillor Steve Count, a member of that committee, said: “Just recently I heard that it (the list) was never forwarded to the county council. Since then we have been told that the county council has the list but we are still waiting for it.

“I am seeking clarification. I think it’s about time we got this.”

Council leader Alan pleaded for anyone who buys a new home to check that all guarantees are in place before parting with money.