A council-owned housing group has confirmed that it is rectifying an issue with chimneys on an “exclusive” new housing development in a North Yorkshire village.

Brierley Homes, a wholly owned subsidiary of North Yorkshire Council, created the development in Swainby, between Northallerton and Stokesley.

Nine houses were built and marketed as an “exclusive development”.

The housing group has admitted that it has been carrying out work after “a defect of water ingress around the chimneys was reported earlier this month” and said that the current work will take several weeks to complete.

Earlier this week, contractors could be seen on scaffolding on several of the houses.

(Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Brierley Homes said: “Repairs are being carried out after a defect of water ingress around the chimneys was reported earlier this month.

“We immediately instructed an independent RICS surveyor to issue a report establishing the reason for the defect and the required remedial works. The work is due to be completed in the next couple of weeks.

“We have actively engaged with residents who live on the development since the issue arose and they have been overwhelmingly positive and thankful of our commitment to find a swift and timely resolution. We will continue to work closely with them whilst we close out the problem.”

One resident who lives elsewhere in the village and who didn’t wish to be named, said: “Despite the need for more affordable homes in Swainby, Brierley Homes appears to have chosen to build a small number of expensive houses and (by keeping the numbers to nine) avoid building any affordable homes.”

In response, the Brierley Homes spokesperson added: “Brierley Homes prides itself on providing high-quality homes that customers are proud to own. All our homes are fully compliant in respect of building control and warranty and are sold with a ten-year builders warranty with ICW Insurance.

“Due to the size of the development, there was no affordable provision required under the local planning policy.

“Brierley Homes provide affordable homes under planning policy and currently have a pipeline of over 200 affordable homes over the next five years.”