Homes ‘shaking’ as work on estate causes uproar

RESIDENTS SAY LIVES ARE BEING MADE A MISERY

HOMES have been “shaking” and there is “terrible” banging and machinery noise from a new Derby housing estate which locals say is making their lives a misery.

It is understood numerous complaints have been made by residents living close to the new Boundary Moor Gardens development, in Sinfin, currently under construction.

The estate is being built by housing developer Taylor Wimpey. A total of 50 homes will be built on the site off Deep Dale Lane in three separate phases.

But residents living just yards away from where the first phase of the construction is being built say they have been left angry and frustrated with constant machinery noise during the day – so much so they feel their homes are shaking as a result.

Recently, piling works have been taking place, meaning there has been constant loud banging from the site. Residents believe the piling is causing their homes to vibrate.

There are also concerns that dust from building works is spreading onto residents’ back gardens and cars – making it impossible to put their washing out and having to keep doors and windows closed during hot weather.

Taylor Wimpey has apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Denise Smith, who has lived on Watten Close for more than 30 years and works as a teacher, said: “We are having to endure piling machines right by our homes. The noise is ridiculous. Our homes have been shaking.

“The vibration to our homes is unsettling because it is so close to our homes. It’s been going on for weeks. It is making my life a misery and we’ve submitted complaint after complaint to the city council.

“In my view, the developer has breached so many regulations. This was a quiet cul-de-sac but now there is constant noise every day.

“What concerns me is they have put in so many supporting rods – there must be 100 of them that they have filled. Who would want to spend £300k on a house that needs (stability) support?”

Another neighbour, Chris Hartle, said: “The noise is terrible. It is not reasonable. This was quiet countryside but now it’s full of noise.

“There were two piling machines going on all day the other day – no apology no nothing. Look at the dust on my car – I’ve been round twice to complain but nothing is done. On a warm day like today we can’t have our doors or windows open.”

Residents living nearby say they are also concerned about potential flooding which may arise, as it is claimed part of the development is being built on a flood plain.

Ms Smith said: “We were initially against the planning development because part of it is being built on our flood plain which prevents us from being flooded. This area does flood with excessive rainfall. We worry now we are going to be put at flood risk.”

Dave Coldbourn, of Loyne Close, said piling works have been taking place because the developers have found out there is “no solid ground” at one part of the site for houses to be built.

The 51-year-old said: “The houses are going to be elevated, but in my view this wasn’t part of the initial plans. The homes will be monstrous. “

Residents say they would like to see the council monitor the development more closely in the future to ensure flooding problems don’t arise. But Taylor Wimpey says a drainage strategy has been carefully considered and approved by Derby City Council during the planning application process.

Taylor Wimpey has confirmed that a Derby City Council environmental team member has visited the site and is said to be “satisfied with the measures they have in place to mitigate noise disturbance”. The company has also said that piling work in closest proximity to neighbouring properties is now complete. Any future piling works will take place further away from existing properties.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “We apologise to local residents for any disruption caused by ongoing work at Boundary Moor Gardens. In line with our planning conditions, we have measures in place to mitigate noise disturbance which are closely monitored.

“We would like to assure the local community that a drainage strategy for the development has been carefully considered and approved by Derby City Council as part of the outline planning permission. We will continue to do all we can to keep any inconvenience to a minimum and would like to thank residents for their patience as work continues.”

We are having to endure piling machines right by our homes. The noise is ridiculous.

Denise Smith