Family anger at the massive rubble of the demolished pub next door obstructing the view from the windows

A couple says their dream of a quiet life in their bungalow has turned into a nightmare after the neighboring property was left as an undeveloped building site.

Paul and Jude Tranter bought their home in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, two years ago before the neighboring Jester pub was demolished.

They said they had no problem with the waterhole being bulldozed amid plans to build eight bungalows.

But the stones of the demolished pub have been crushed for months and pushed onto a huge hill next to their bungalow.

Mr and Mrs Tranter say the dust from the rubble leaves them no choice but to clean their windows every week instead of once a month. And they can’t open windows or sit outside and enjoy their garden because of the dust.

Now they are calling on the developer – NSJ Contractors – to remove the rubble.

Builder and landscaper Mr Tranter, 47, said: ‘We knew the pub was going to be demolished when we bought our house and they were going to build bungalows there. We prefer that to the pub.

“The problem is the mess. We went away for a weekend and when we came back we couldn’t see anything else.

‘I called the owner of the property and said I would be ok with moving from the side of the bungalow as the dust is unreal in the summer. I was just fobbed off. Since then I haven’t heard anything.

“They crushed all the stones. They could sell it as a crush, but they’re not going to sell it if they build bungalows. They’re going to use it like hardcore.

‘We’re all for the bungalows. It’s just how they left it for 12 months.

The former Jester pub (left) closed for good in 2019, but has been left in ruins months after its demolition (right)

‘From my son’s bedroom you can only see the hill. He can’t have his bedroom window open. We can’t open the bathroom window.

“We just want these bungalows built and this mess moved now.”

Ms Tranter, 44, is disabled and says the hill has been causing them misery for nearly 12 months.

She said: ‘My bill for the window cleaner was £10 a month. I now have to get them done every week so I’m now paying £40 a month. Paul has to wash his van every week. There is dust everywhere.

“Children come on site. They climb up the hill and throw stones in our backyard.

“We have to electrify the backyard every other week. The dust is everywhere. I can’t have my windows open.’

Stoke-on-Trent City Council planners rejected the proposal for eight bungalows.

NSJ Contractors director Jason Chapman said: ‘We are still hoping to get planning permission soon. We have a bit of a fight with the planners who are hesitant to give permission.

‘The plan is to reuse the old pub crush in the development rather than send it to landfill and get rid of it. Development starts at the bottom. The only place to store it is where it is right now.

‘As soon as the municipality gives us the building permit, we can start. Otherwise we can throw it away, but that’s not good for the environment. The planners don’t want eight bungalows on the site, but about five. That is not viable.

“We are looking into it at the moment. It had planning permission for nine properties. So there is room for appeal. The planning contractors we are dealing with feel strong.’

Mr Chapman added: ‘I feel sorry for the family in the bungalow. The problem I have is that I don’t want to waste building material. We could move it, but as soon as we start, we have to move it back. It may be appealed or we look at a different scope.’