OWNERS of new-build flats in Bournemouth say their “dream” homes have become a “nightmare” due to issues with the plumbing system.

Residents of The Cotton Exchange in Christchurch Road feel they have been “mis-sold” after discovering that their luxury homes did not have a standard plumbing system.

When lecturer Emily Manns moved into her £145,000, one-bedroom flat last September, sewage filled her bath and basin after she flushed the toilet.

She was unaware that it had been fitted with a pump and macerator, and believes this was contrary to the approved plans.

“There was nothing mentioned in the contracts we signed either,” she said.

“They came and unblocked it the next day, but it was horrible.”

While her toilet was fixed, Emily was offered the use of a “dirty old builder’s bog” 20 metres down the road.

She said she now “lives in fear” of another blockage or power cut, which would render the toilet unusable.

“This has happened three times in less than a year. I’ve invested every penny I have in this flat. I bought this place as a home and an investment but, at the moment, it doesn’t feel like either. I feel mis-sold.”

She added: “The developers have told me they can’t see a problem with this and it hasn’t devalued the property.

“You might find these types of toilet as a secondary thing that you don’t use very often. But when it’s your only source of washing and using a loo in a luxury flat, it’s not acceptable.”

Emily’s neighbour, Sarah Garlick, said she had experienced similar problems.

“I was so excited to purchase my beautiful flat after working so hard as a nurse to earn enough money. Unfortunately my dream became a nightmare because the people we trust to do their jobs properly and in accordance with plans chose not to."

John Brassington, of developer Clark & Brassington, said the macerator "was not a deviation from the approved plans".

“The toilet is located below the main drains which serve the entire building and is therefore required and forms part of the agreed construction specification.

"Miss Manns has experienced an issue in the form of the macerator becoming blocked due to sanitary items being flushed, which are unsuitable for all types of toilet. This issue was resolved within a few hours of it being reported without charge.”

He added: “Building control was signed off for the entire building and the macerator was fitted in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.”

The flats form part of the same development as Boscombe’s police hub, which has flooded twice in less than a year.

The £1million station, which also houses council staff, sustained damage after a leak from a flat above in April and last June.