A large sinkhole which appeared more than a year ago still remains unsolved.

Homeowners in Lyewood Estate, Boughton Monchelsea, say they are frustrated due to a lack of communication from developers Crest Nicholson.

The hole first appeared in early November last year and a small fence was initially put around it.

Just over a week later a larger area had to be cordoned off as the gap had widened.

Residents at the time were concerned about its appearance and now, more than a year on, it still is not fixed.

The hole doesn’t seem to have increased in size, but the inner fence looks to have collapsed further into the void.

Crest Nicholson says the hole is at the bottom end of the estate’s balancing pond – a drainage system often used on new construction projects to collect surface water and prevent flooding.

Resident Alan Peppercorn said: “I’m not an expert, but 12 months seems a little too long to me.

“It shouldn’t take too long to work out what’s caused it, whether what has caused it is now over, what the likely depth of it is going to end up being and then what action needs taking.

“I would have expected something to have happened within these 12 months.

“I do occasionally see Crest people wandering around and looking into the hole, but not too much activity.

“It needs filling in – for safety and security. It’s a bit of a danger.”

The 60-year-old first moved into the estate in September 2021 with his wife Karen.

Both have been trying to keep up-to-date with what is happening with the sinkhole since it appeared.

“The only thing I am aware of is a couple of parish council meetings,” he explained.

“They told us they are still talking with Crest about the work that needs doing over here, including the large hole that has appeared.

“I believe there are also some issues around fencing and planting.

“In terms of updates, we have heard very little since then.”

Crest Nicholson confirmed last December that work to fill the hole would not happen until 2023.

It previously told KentOnline: “The safety of residents is our number one priority and we acted swiftly to assess any risks and close off the area when the sinkhole appeared.

“We are working closely with the relevant experts to investigate and put a remediation plan in place, in the meantime a wider area surrounding the sinkhole remains closed as a further precaution.

“We aim to start remediation works as soon as practicable within the New Year and appreciate everyone’s patience while our investigations are ongoing.”

Another homeowner, Jayne Davis, says she hasn’t had any communication from the developers.

She added: “The only way we find out about it is through our community Facebook group.

“Nobody seems to know what is happening or when.

“It is dangerous – it’s sort of fenced off, but it is quite flimsy and I would hate to think a child would get in there or animals.

“I know they had people out doing a geological survey, but we have no idea what the outcome of that was.”

Boughton Monchelsea Parish Council confirmed it has no authority on the matter.

“We are currently reviewing the best actions to resolve the issue in due course...”

A spokesman for Crest Nicholson told KentOnline: “We were made aware of a sinkhole that has appeared within the public open space area at Lyewood Estate, at the bottom end of the balancing pond.

“The area has been secured and thoroughly inspected, and we can see that there has been no impact to any properties nor is it likely to impact them or residents in the future.

“We are currently reviewing the best actions to resolve the issue in due course, we appreciate residents’ patience and we will share updates as soon as they are available.”