AFTER residents were left frustrated by debris, mud and soil strewn across roads from HGV’s leaving a housing development site in Coventry, a drive-through wheel wash has been installed.
Last Thursday (March 4) Coventry City Council’s planning committee councillors agreed to issue a Temporary Stop Notice on Taylor Wimpey requiring that all construction work at their Tamworth Road site in Keresley was stopped with immediate effect if the developer did not resolve community concerns.
A deadline of 12 noon on Monday (March 8) was given.
Today (Thursday March 11) the council issued a statement to say the problem has been resolved after discussions with the company: “Following the planning committee resolution on Thursday, officers have been in further discussions with Taylor Wimpey regarding the provision of suitable and effective measures to prevent mud and debris being deposited on the highway from vehicles leaving the Tamworth Road site.
“On Monday Taylor Wimpey agreed to install an automated drive-through wheel wash facility, and this was delivered to the site on Tuesday and is now fully operational. The service of the Temporary Stop Notice has consequently been suspended whilst officers monitor the effectiveness of the new wheel wash facility.”
At last week’s meeting the council said it was aware of mud and soil across roads behind the Royal Court Hotel, near to the site which committee members described as “a safety hazard”.
Recent heavy rain is understood to have further contributed to the problem, with mud oozing out of overflowing drains according to one local resident.
Coun David Welsh, cabinet member for housing and communities, said that it was “totally unacceptable”, as health and safety at development sites is crucial.
City planners wanted to send a clear message that developers need to have respect for residents.
Coun Welsh, said: “Developers must respect the area where they are working and respect the community. The community are frustrated with the impact the debris and soil is having on safety and the mess created, and that is why we are taking firm action now. We believe the situation is avoidable and absolutely unacceptable.”
“When planning applications are granted health and safety is a primary consideration and I’m really pleased that the planning committee has taken this step. It sends out an important message on behalf of local people.”
“We want to see Taylor Wimpey act quickly. In the meantime, we will take every step within our control to fix the situation, and – if necessary – ensure development is stopped as soon as possible if we are not satisfied that appropriate improvements are made.”
