Residents of Northfield Terrace in Cheltenham are facing property damage as a result of construction work for a new housing development at the North Place car park. The 147-home Wavensmere Homes scheme has led to loud noise and vibrations, causing cracks in the walls of nearby houses. The affected homeowners feel like they are in a “David and Goliath” struggle, as both the developers and the Cheltenham Borough Council are advising them to claim the damage on their insurance.
Emma Chetwynd Stapylton, a resident of Northfield Terrace, expressed her distress over the situation. She revealed that cracks have appeared in multiple rooms of her house, with corresponding cracks in different areas. Despite reaching out to the council and environmental health authorities, she has been met with little concern and has been advised to pursue costly measures to address the damage. The council’s suggestion to claim on her house insurance would lead to financial burdens for Stapylton.
Furthermore, the lack of communication from the developers and their dismissive attitude towards the residents' complaints has escalated the residents' distress. Stapylton’s encounter with the site manager reflected the lack of empathy and responsibility from the construction team. The residents fear that further construction work could lead to additional damage, including potential harm to Grade II listed buildings.
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In response, Bernadette Reed, public and environmental health manager for Cheltenham Borough Council, emphasized the council’s efforts to address the residents' concerns regarding noise, vibration, and dust from the construction site. However, the residents remain skeptical of the measures being taken to minimize the disruption caused by the development.
Wavensmere Homes and Montane Partners acknowledge the concerns raised by the residents and assert that all work is being carried out in accordance with approved plans and schemes. Construction director Craig Gee reassured that the activities are aligned with the approved Construction Management Plan and Noise Mitigation Scheme, which aim to minimize disruptions.
The residents, feeling unprotected and neglected, are considering organizing a collective effort to address the issues they are facing. The community’s frustration with the lack of consideration from both the council and the developers is evident, reflecting their distress and the impact on their historic properties.