Cheltenham residents have faced weeks of dust settling on their homes and gardens due to nearby construction during the ongoing heatwave. The dust originates from The Folley development site in Swindon Village, where 122 new homes are being built on a former playing field.
Following numerous complaints, Cheltenham Borough Council’s environmental protection team issued an abatement notice to the builders, EG Carter & Co Ltd, on July 14. This notice requires the developer to halt any work producing visible dust unless effective control measures are in place. Failure to comply could lead to further enforcement actions.
Councillor Richard Lawler (LD, Swindon Village) collaborated with residents to gather photo and video evidence of the dust dispersal, which was shared with the council’s environmental health officers. Despite site visits and the introduction of additional water spraying equipment, dust complaints persisted, prompting the formal notice.
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Councillor Jamie Jamieson (LD, Lansdown) confirmed that dust control has been a priority, especially given the challenges of the hot, dry weather. The contractor implemented various measures such as mobile water sprays and misting equipment, and follow-up inspections showed significant improvements.
In response, a spokesperson for EG Carter & Co Ltd emphasized the prolonged heatwave’s impact on dust generation, outlining their comprehensive dust suppression efforts. These include damping down, water bowsers, road sweeping, and revised construction methods, all exceeding the approved construction management plan’s standards.
The company insists it has maintained open communication with the council and local community, including Gardners Lane Primary School, which was notably affected. They reaffirmed their commitment to minimizing disruption while delivering 122 affordable homes along with new green spaces and community facilities.
Rejecting allegations of negligence or regulatory breaches, EG Carter & Co Ltd highlighted their ongoing collaboration with environmental health officials and responsible actions throughout the project.