House built with lamppost in pathway fails to attract buyer

A lampost by the front porch of a house of a new build brick house

The house, and the nine neighbouring homes have all been on the market for seven months and all are yet to be sold (Image credit: Google Street View)

A newly built home is failing to attract buyers after it was built with a lamppost blocking the front path to the house.

The house in South Shields, South Tyneside has a lamppost blocking the entrance to the property after developers failed to take into account the lamppost during the planning stages, showing the potential pitfalls when building a house.

Now the house, and the nine other newly built homes next to the lamppost house, haven't been sold despite being on the market for seven months, with locals left baffled by the house.

All neighbouring homes remain unsold

The home is part of a 10-house development by Hepscott Developments on the street, although none of the homes have been purchased, seemingly put off by the lamppost house.

The homes are described as being part of an "exceptional new-build development" but despite being available since September the homes all still remain unsold, with the estate agents for the homes even offering six months mortgage-free as a potential incentive.

The homes are available for £235,000 each, although average house prices for the area are less than half of this.

The lamppost runs through the driveway of the brick house — *The home is for sale in South Shields in Newcastle* (Image credit: Google Street View)

Why was the home built like this?

The lamppost was installed prior to the construction of the house, although this was not realised by builders until after construction had already started on the development.

The developer had to lay paving stones and build a wall around the existing lamppost.

Despite initial planning approval for the homes, it appears that the last house in the row was disproportionately affected, possibly due to the presence of the lamppost.

House described as 'ridiculous' and 'idiotic'

The house has prompted ridicule online and by local residents.

One local resident , who appears to have not noticed that it is a path, said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw there was a lamppost in the middle of someone's drive. How are you supposed to park your car? Surely that's the whole point of having a driveway. I definitely won't be purchasing one of these homes."

Online comments ranged from those stating "Oh man! Imagine trying to move in!" to others simply calling the house "Idiotic" and "Ridiculous".

News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.