We’re living a newbuild nightmare – we can’t get any sleep and haven’t opened our windows for a YEAR
RESIDENTS who live near a newly built development have revealed how it has made their lives a nightmare as they can’t sleep or open windows for over a year.
Neighbors of a major construction project in Rotherhithe, South Londonclaim that noise from the construction site has kept them awake at night since it began in May 2021.
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They complain of excessive noise, dirt on their cars, and rubble from the construction site falling into their garden – and this will continue for ten years.
Local host Michelle, not her real name, says MyLondon: “This morning the noise was like a bomb exploding.
“I haven’t opened a window since the building started. I had to miss two meetings the day before because of the noise.
“I’ve got rubble in my garden and there’s a pile of rubble with a piece of metal on it. If a kid picks it up and puts it in his mouth, it’s dangerous.
“We have red stuff on our cars and last time it took £35 to clean up. It happened twice and so did the car of the guy next door.”
She also alleges that workers building the new compound “harassed” her by shouting and screaming as she walked past in response to complaints.
Michelle added that the builders were “scary” and made her nervous when she left the house.
Resident Andre Clarke said: “Since they put tarps around, the noise doesn’t bother me but it still stops me. children not sleep.
“Construction work takes place every day from about nine in the morning until five or six in the afternoon.
“We went to the council before but they didn’t come back to us.
“The main problem is dust and everything that comes out of it.”
British Land, the developer of a project called Canada’s Water Master Plan, holds regular consultations with locals and says they “take” their complaints very seriously.
However, Michelle and neighbor Alan Murphy said they stopped attending after being accused of bad behavior by staff for voicing their concerns.
Michelle added: “They push you to that extent. They say we’re angry and we’re not. We’re upset. It took two weeks for them to respond to emails.”
A spokesperson for British Land said: “Our goal is to ensure that all residents and businesses in the area are not unduly impacted by our work and we strive to always adhere to the rules. construction industry best practices.
“This includes ensuring that all contractors we work with adhere to the Thoughtful Building Program and implement a series of rigorous measures to monitor the potential impact of any activity. any project.
“Part of this work includes gathering information on a real-time basis to ensure ongoing compliance with Southwark Council’s planning and environmental requirements. So far, we’ve been in compliance. all board requirements.
“However, as a thoughtful and community-conscious developer, it’s important that we strive to go above and beyond these standards whenever possible.”
What are your rights?
If the construction work generates excessive noise, you can complain to your local council.
Even if a project has been given planning permission, the council must consider any claims for any noise that could be considered a statutory nuisance under the 1990 Environment Act.
If it is determined to be a nuisance, councils can issue enforcement notices to limit the noise or even withdraw permits for the project.
Contact Citizens Advice for more advice on residents’ rights.
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