Residents Raise Concerns Over Construction at New Housing Estate
Residents in Nottinghamshire have raised serious concerns about the ongoing construction work at a new housing estate, which they claim is causing significant disruption. The development, being built by Gleeson Homes on land off Braemar Avenue in Eastwood, has led to complaints from nearby residents about the smell and dust generated during the building process.
The project involves the construction of 240 homes, but it has faced opposition since its inception. The Government’s Planning Inspectorate approved the controversial plans in April 2023, despite over 1,000 objections from local residents. Many feared that the construction would disturb harmful substances previously dumped at the site, which was an unlicensed former landfill known as ‘Matkin’s Tip’.
Initially, the Broxtowe Borough Council planning committee had unanimously rejected the proposal in December 2022. However, the approval came after a public inquiry, where the inspector ruled that the development was far enough away from the potentially toxic materials found in the landfill.
Disruption and Complaints from Neighbours
Sarah Bainbridge, a resident and member of the Commons Residents Action Group, highlighted the difficulties faced by those living near the construction site. She described the ammonia smell from sewage works and the orange dust that has been affecting homes and vehicles. “Both of these problems have been even worse during the hot weather,” she said.
The construction work has also started earlier and finished later than expected, causing additional stress for residents. Ms Bainbridge noted that security dogs have caused issues for those living on the border of the site. “It’s really sad and frustrating for a lot of people,” she added, emphasizing that those directly affected are suffering the most.
Councillor Milan Radulovic, leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, expressed concerns about the site’s operations, including the timing of work and traffic issues. He mentioned that the council’s planning director had written to Gleeson Homes to request specific measures to address these concerns. “We want these conflicts to be resolved and I think they can be with a civilised approach,” he said.
Historical Concerns and Ongoing Issues
Mr Radulovic had previously warned against building near the former landfill site, citing its “chequered” and “scary” history. Despite these warnings, the planning inspector concluded that the development was safe due to its distance from the hazardous materials. “I have to accept we lost at the public inquiry and the development is going ahead,” he said, adding that he remains bitter about the decision.
Recent efforts have been made to address the concerns of residents. Broxtowe’s MP Juliet Campbell met with locals to discuss their worries about the construction. As a result, the council pledged to implement weekly dampening of the site to control dust, introduce a wheel washer to limit debris spread, and monitor the speed of construction lorries. They also committed to weekly site visits to ensure compliance with regulations.
Gleeson Homes has stated that its workers are following the rules attached to the estate’s planning permission. A spokesperson said: “Our contractors and construction teams are committed to minimising disruption and are adhering to the permitted working hours on site. We continue to actively engage with neighbouring residents to ensure their concerns are addressed and to foster a cooperative environment while building works continue.”
