Addlestone One Residents Battle Pest Control Crisis
A Growing Problem at Addlestone One
Residents living at Dunsfold House, part of Runnymede Borough Council’s ambitious Addlestone One regeneration project, are dealing with an unexpected and distressing crisis. Since the development’s full opening in 2018, the mixed-use complex—which combines residential flats with shopping space—has become a hub for new housing in our area. However, recent complaints reveal that communal areas are suffering from persistent maggot infestations that have escalated beyond simple annoyance.
Dunsfold House resident Jon Joyce describes the severity of the situation: maggots have been observed crawling into entrance ways, creating unhygienic conditions that no one should tolerate in their home. While council-appointed pest control services have increased cleaning frequency, residents argue the underlying issue remains unresolved. The problem, Joyce notes, extends beyond his building, affecting other blocks within the development. Additionally, residents report fire alarms frequently displaying fault messages—compounding concerns already raised about inadequate fire safety certificates discovered in July. For families who invested in these homes expecting modern, well-maintained accommodations, the combination of pest problems and safety concerns has created genuine stress and uncertainty about their living environment and property value.
Fire Safety Delays and Property Market Impact
The maggot infestation crisis comes at a particularly difficult time for Addlestone One residents. In July, it emerged that fire safety certificates for the development were invalid, leaving homeowners and tenants anxious about their safety and the future of their investments. This discovery has created a domino effect impacting the local property market. Prospective buyers remain hesitant to purchase flats while fire safety work remains incomplete, and existing residents struggle to sell their homes without clarity on remediation timelines.
The uncertainty has prompted residents to demand a definitive schedule from Runnymede Borough Council for when fire safety improvements will begin. Without this information, the development faces continued stagnation. For families in Addlestone, Woking, Dorking, Horsley, and East Horsley communities who follow local housing news, this situation serves as a reminder of the challenges facing rapid regeneration projects. The council’s offshoot company, Runnymede Borough Council Services Ltd, has reportedly engaged with residents about both pest control and fire safety issues, but communication gaps remain. Residents have set a deadline of Monday for the council to provide substantive responses before escalating complaints to higher authorities. The situation highlights how interconnected housing quality, safety compliance, and market confidence truly are in our region.
What Residents Should Know and Do Next
If you live in Addlestone One or are considering purchasing property there, here’s what you need to know. First, document any pest control issues you experience with photographs and dates—this creates an official record. Second, engage with your residents’ association or community group to coordinate collective complaints, as strength in numbers encourages council response. Third, request written communication from Runnymede Borough Council Services Ltd outlining their remediation plan with specific timelines.
Beyond immediate concerns, residents should explore whether renovation works—including bathroom refurbishment and kitchen renovation upgrades—might be delayed pending fire safety clearance, as many lenders hesitate to finance improvements in properties with outstanding safety issues. Contact BBC Surrey or local democracy reporting services if you’ve experienced similar problems; they actively investigate community concerns. For those planning home improvements, consult with local bathroom fitters and contractors about whether it’s wise to proceed until fire safety certification is complete. Stay informed through council communications and community bulletins. Finally, if you’re struggling with the stress of these ongoing issues, Runnymede Citizens Advice can offer guidance on tenant rights and property ownership protections. Keep records of all correspondence with the council—you may need them for future insurance, warranty, or legal matters.
Source: Maggot infestation reportedly hits Addlestone One housing project
