A TV presenter and developer has apologised for delays at a housing project near Winchester – and also blamed Brexit.

Kevin McCloud, of show Grand Designs, (pictured below) said there had been “project overruns” on the Eversley Gardens site in Kings Worthy, which is being developed by HAB Housing, a company he set up in 2007.

It comes after senior Liberal Democrat city councillor Jackie Porter called on the firm to fulfil their end of a deal and build promised community facilities at the site.

READ: 'It seemed too good to be true': Call for developer to deliver promised facilities >>>

As part of the planning approval, HAB Housing agreed Eversley Park would double in size, with a new allotment, cycle rack, play area, orchard and car park.

Now, Mr McCloud’s firm has issued a statement, saying a “Brexit-fuelled construction crisis” had hit the industry, causing soaring construction costs and a shortage of skilled workers.

McCloud said: “As an SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) housebuilder, we’ve been hit hard by rocketing costs and a construction skills crisis – both of which are being exacerbated by Brexit uncertainty and the fall in the pound.

“Of course Brexit is absolutely no excuse for the poor service residents have received and I am close to striking a deal to bring new partners whose expertise and financial backing will enable HAB to deliver something we can be proud of.

“I am hopeful of being able to make that announcement very shortly.”

Mr McCloud added: “I’m personally very sorry for the delays and problems caused.

“Things haven’t been done quickly enough. I share our residents’ frustrations and am putting a plan in place to fix them.”

It comes after Cllr Porter (above), who represents the village, said: “The Kings Worthy community chose this as their preferred site because the developer, HAB, offered so many community benefits.

“It did all seem too good to be true.”

A Liberal Democrat newsletter, which is circulated to residents at the development, added: “It is disappointing in the extreme to see that work to complete the new HAB development at Eversley Gardens, and the attached extension to the park, has ‘paused’ once again.”

Last week a spokesman for HAB said: “HAB Housing is aware that completion of the community amenities is outstanding at present. HAB Land, the funders of the development and separate commercial entity to HAB Housing, are the funders of the development. HAB Housing is continuing to lobby the funders to complete the works.”

As previously reported, the scheme was hailed as an environmentally friendly development, with 20 of the 50 homes being affordable.

The development was opened in Spring 2017 by then-mayor Cllr Jane Rutter and Kevin McCloud.

Mr McCloud said at the event: “You can’t whip people into being green, but you can give them lower carbon homes that use less energy and conserve water. But as well as that there will be a whole myriad of wildlife on this site.”