‘It looks like a crematorium’, locals moan over ‘ugly’ newbuilds that have lights going off all night
RESIDENTS living next to Britain’s ugliest newbuilds have whinged they look like a crematorium.
The development in Dagenham, Essex has been slammed by residents due to its “ugly” design.
The controversial buildings, which was previously a care home for elderly people, was transformed into terraced bungalows.
But angry residents said the eyesore is ruining their picturesque views.
Gaynor Jacobs, 62, who has lived in her house since the 1990s, said the newbuilds remind her of a prison.
She said: “They aren’t very nice looking buildings, they’re a bit prison-like.
“They remind me of that Holloway prison, or a bit like a crematorium.”
Others criticised the disproportionate height of the site and said the automatic lights are a waste of energy.
Bosco Mascarenhas, 35, said: “The height of the buildings seem a bit odd to me, it doesn’t look normal.
“The ratio between the height of the roof compared to the door doesn’t look symmetrical to me.”
“Sometimes at night, around 2am in the morning, there are automatic lights that are triggered by passing traffic, so they always go on and off. Seems like a waste of energy to me.”
Fellow angry neighbours said that the site attracts anti-social behaviour and fires.
In response, the council submitted plans to soften the look of the unsightly properties by adding trees and green areas.
But residents said the changes were not enough.
Mr Rolt, who has lived on the street for over 20 years, said: “The council were supposed to add more trees to soften how it looks, but I think they only put in about six.
“Residents started giving it nicknames like Fort Dagenham.”
Locals now fear the value of their properties might go down as a result.
The retired 77-year-old added: “I tried speaking to the council and the local MP myself, and I got a letter that said due to financial issues they couldn’t afford to plant more trees in the area.
“I know some people were worried about the value of their properties going down.”
However, neighbours living inside the properties are not bothered by the “ugly” aesthetic.
June Dinnes, 62, who has lived with her carer in the property since its construction, said the property is wheelchair-accessible.
The carer said: “Inside the properties they are great. They function well and are spacious for people who need wheelchairs or specialist equipment.
“They are built for those with disabilities in mind, that’s why there are wide doors, for example.
“I can see why some people might say they aren’t very nice looking for the outside, but there are many people who live here who would have found it terrible to live anywhere else.”
Others have slammed haters and said the inside of the newbuild is not as unsightly.
Linda Yates 69, who lives with her husband who has cancer in the property, said: “If people knew what the inside was like they wouldn’t say it was an eyesore.
“I have space to do gardening and the parking space helps a lot. You can’t hear the traffic at all, and there is plenty of space for my husband to use his wheelchair.
“It was one of the best decisions moving here.
“I don’t know why they are complaining! If anything, I know some people that park opposite this building and it blocks my husband getting inside his home with his wheelchair.”
A London Borough of Barking and Dagenham council spokesman said: “These award-winning bungalows have been a source of joy for the residents who moved in following completion.
“The same design has been used to build other facilities which allow older and disabled residents wanting to downsize to free up larger and much needed homes for families on our housing waiting list.
“The buildings, which have stood in the borough since 2014, are a welcome addition to our housing stock.”
It comes as residents living in an ugly brutalist high-rise gushed about their love for the building – and revealed how every flat has a sea view.
The concreted tower in Margate, Kent has caused controversy among locals who said it’s killing their trendy seaside town.