A property developer has been reported to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over a marketing campaign for an off-plan development.

The developer, Randall Watts, which has operations across the UK, has been successfully operating for 60 years, was reported by a member of the public.

Although a minor infringement of ASA marketing regulations, the complaint highlights how agents and developers can get caught out when using stock photography, and that keen-eyed members of the public are always on the lookout.

In this case the complainant took issue with a property advert for Hanningfield Park, which is a newbuild development near Chelmsford by the side of a reservoir.

The ad, which is within a webpage on a new-build development site, had mentioned that people could swim or paddle board in the reservoir.

Marketing

But the complainant pointed out that swimming and water sports in these waters are not available to the public.

“When we reviewed the website, the reference to swimming was removed, but an image of paddle boarding remained,” an ASA spokesperson says.

“We spoke to the [advertiser] involved, and they agreed to add a disclaimer on the website that water sports in the reservoir are not available to members of the public. As such, we considered the matter closed.”

The site now says: “Paddle boarding is not permitted at the Hanningfield Reservoir however local paddle boarding is available at other sites.”

Prices at the development, which is officially launching next year,  start at £435,000 for a two-bedroom house.

Read more about ASA decisions.