MORE than 200 people are seeking compensation for the impact Sadlers Farm roadworks have had on their house prices.

Chartered surveyors Thomson Broadbent it was handling 203 cases on a “no win, no fee” arrangement.

The controversial £63million scheme to remodel the busy Benfleet junction was completed earlier this year after a string of delays which meant it was more than 11 months behind schedule.

It is now more than a year since sections of the intersection began being reopened to drivers, meaning residents can now legally start applying for payouts from Essex County Council. James Broadbent, managing director of the chartered surveyors, said: “Making more free-flowing traffic and allowing vehicles to travel faster, creates more noise and more traffic, as more people will opt for that route.

“How much people could get depends on the value of the property and their proximity to Sadlers Farm. People living closer will be more affected and could be entitled to more.”

Factors contributing to a property losing value could include increased noise from faster and heavier traffic flow, added pollution, and nuisance caused by artificial light from road signs, street lights and vehicle headlights.

Yesterday, two residents in London Road, Benfleet, confirmed to the Echo they were pursuing claims against the council.

A woman, 70, said: “I will have to get my home re-valued.”

County Hall confirmed it had anticipated compensation claims would be made. A spokesman said: “This is commercially-sensitive, but we have a provision set aside based on what would reasonably be expected with this project. Each potential claim would be treated on an individual basis with supporting evidence and would need to be substantiated.”