UNSAFE fire escapes, chimneys at risk of collapse and leaking roofs have been discovered at houses in Carterton after it emerged a developer did not get the houses inspected.

David Wilson Homes built 678 of the 1,338 houses at Shilton Park between 2002 and 2005 but failed to get completion certificates on “some” of the properties.

Developers are required to ask building inspectors to check new homes to ensure they meet regulations, so certificates can be issued.

West Oxfordshire District Council’s building control inspectors have now been brought in to inspect the homes and the developer said it was working with the council to address the problems.

As a result of the council checks, a number of faults, including chimneys, windows and ventilation, have been found in 24 houses.

Alf and Jan Kenchington, both 73, were told there were 27 “flaws” at their house in Trefoil Way, which did not have a completion certificate. They bought it for £340,000 eight-and-a-half years ago.

The chimney has shifted by about three inches, slates and felt are missing from the roof and the windows are not large enough to be used as fire escapes. The problems caused water to leak into their bedroom.

Mr Kenchington said: “They had filled our chimney with concrete and building rubble.

“The chimney, which was only supported by two pieces of two-by-four, was so heavy that it moved. The chimney could have come through our ceiling.

“We spent £340,000 on this house and David Wilson Homes did not check anything.”

Former Carterton mayor Norman MacRae and his wife Carole have had a string of problems with their house in Hibiscus Way, which they bought for about £400,000 in June 2005.

These have included roof leaks due to poorly-fitted felt, leaks in the garage, creaking floors and stairs and the chimney moving.

Mr MacRae said: “It’s disappointing that a major firm that advertises high-quality executive housing does not follow up on that. We have been let down.”

He said that the lack of completion certificates meant that he and his neighbours would not be able to sell their homes if they ever chose to do so.

Simon Kirk, technical director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “We are aware of outstanding issues at the Carterton development. We are working closely with West Oxford District Council to ensure that these outstanding issues are resolved.”

A spokesman added that the company was working with the district council to ascertain how many houses did not have a completion certificate, but added that it was anticipated this would be a “relatively low number”.

West Oxfordshire District Council spokesman Carys Davies said: “On behalf of residents, we have been working with David Wilson Homes to identify properties that do not have completion certificates and to agree a programme of inspections to identify work that might be necessary before a completion certificate can be awarded.

“We have identified 24 properties where works are required and discussions with David Wilson Homes on the appropriate remedial works are ongoing. This includes work to chimneys and windows.”