HOMEOWNERS living at a development on Portland are calling for action over alleged serious issues with their homes.

They say they have experienced “severe problems” with a biomass heating system with multiple breakdowns, noise and soot as well as mounting debts on their communal heating fund.

ZeroC is the developer behind the site, which was used as Olympic accommodation in 2012.

The 59 homes on the lower field are supplied via three underground networks powered by biomass boilers, the hot water is circulated underground 24 hours a day to provide unlimited hot water and central heating.

Home owners pay £300 a year for maintenance and eventual replacement of the system, costs however have seen a significant deficit running in to many thousands of pounds.

As well as financial issues, home owners have complained of soot deposits, excessive noise and disruption to their hot water supply due to breakdowns.

Chairman of the resident’s association, Jonathan Bayliff, said that there is no government ombudsman in place to protect home owners connected to renewable energy district heating networks.

He said: “This is a serious problem that is affecting the value and resale capability of our homes I have been in contact with a potential buyer in the last few days, who said their solicitor had advised them not to buy a property on the estate because of this issue with the heating systems.

“It’s a concern and it’s hard to believe there is no protection or redress for vulnerable heating customers like us.””

A Zero C spokesman said it’s working with residents and that supply of hot water and heating has always been maintained with back-up boilers.