A CONCERNED Powick councillor has lambasted the move to build 61 homes on a former landfill site and claimed lives would be put at risk if planning conditions were not adhered to.
Coun Tom Wells condemned the controversial Taylor Wimpey development in progress off Hospital Lane in a letter to Malvern Hills District Council chief executive Jack Hegarty.
Planning chiefs had originally rejected the plans but developers were granted permission to build following an appeal to the Government’s planning inspector.
In his letter Coun Wells said the Government’s decision to overturn the refusal had put the lives of residents and workers at risk after an independent inspection of the site conducted by Wilson Associates showed asbestos was present.
A similar inspection by Worcestershire Regulatory Services also confirmed contamination on the 4.6-hectare site.
“The simple truth is that residents are justifiably concerned about potential exposure to contaminants,” said Coun Wells.
“And they need reassurance that everything is being done to ensure the health and well-being of all parties and future home owners.”
He added: “There are also serious concerns about HGVs and other machinery waiting to access the site very early in the morning.
“Taylor Wimpey had helpfully erected signs to state no lorries should arrive until 8am.
“However, lorries are already parking up on the residential estate and most troubling of all, the construction company now appears to have removed this signage.”
In a statement to the Observer, Mr Hegarty confirmed the site would be monitored to ensure residents are kept safe from contaminants.
“The planning permission granted on appeal by the Secretary of State includes a number of conditions which the developer will need to comply with,” he said.
“The council’s planning enforcement team are aware of the works being undertaken and have already been in discussion with Taylor Wimpey about the construction.”
Taylor Wimpey also confirmed they had introduced a number of ‘robust’ measures to manage and mitigate any potential impact.
A spokesperson said: “We have commissioned expert consultants to produce a detailed Remediation Strategy and Materials Management Plan.
“This has been approved by Malvern Hills District Council’s planning and environmental health departments.
“In line with this strategy, the design levels of the site have been set to minimise disturbance of the existing ground.”
Taylor Wimpey chiefs also confirmed contractors would be reminded to arrive on site during the permitted operating hours only and not before 8am.
The developer added it was in regular contact with nearby residents to provide information on the works as they progress, with the most recent update being issued last Friday.
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