by Sam Hawcroft
Extra measures to tackle dust are to be introduced at a major housing development in Withernsea following complaints from neighbouring residents.
East Riding Council planning enforcement officers have visited the Vistry Homes site in Hull Road after concerns were raised by people living in Carrs Meadow and The Glade over dust, noise and vibration from construction work.
Ward councillor Sean McMaster said officers had walked around the development with site managers and discussed the issues reported by residents.
Vistry has now told the council it intends to increase the measures already in place, including additional dust screening using sheeting attached to Heras fencing and wooden fencing in suitable locations around plots closer to completion.
Enhanced monitoring and continued dust suppression will also be used during periods when dust is more likely to occur, alongside measures to control vehicle speeds around the site.
Cllr McMaster said: “The council will continue to maintain contact with the developer to ensure that monitoring is undertaken and that the additional amenity protection measures discussed are progressed.
“Officers have stated that while there were no dust emissions evident at the time of the visit, they appreciate that these can be intermittent. They have also said that they appreciate all of the efforts made by residents to report these issues to them.
“I am pleased that Vistry has agreed to address the issues that residents have raised. Hopefully the mitigations that they have agreed to put in place will work to reduce the issues of dust emissions from the site.
“Officers will of course continue to monitor the situation and I am sure residents will be in touch if there are any further concerns.”
The complaints were initially brought to the Gazette by Carrs Meadow resident Kelly Lawson, who said people living alongside the development had been experiencing problems since construction began several months ago.
She said residents had experienced noise and vibration as well as significant amounts of dust and silt settling on homes, cars and gardens, particularly during hot and dry weather.
Kelly said: “We cannot open any windows or doors and, when it’s hot, it is absolutely stifling. We have this from 7.30 every morning, six days a week.
“At times it is literally like a scene from The Mummy with a huge sandstorm.”
She added that residents had struggled to hang washing outside because of the dust and said she was particularly concerned about the effect on elderly and vulnerable neighbours.
Kelly later told the Gazette that Cllr McMaster had contacted residents in Carrs Meadow and The Glade and had received a large response to his request for information about their experiences.
A spokesman for Vistry said: “Vistry takes its responsibilities as a considerate neighbour seriously and is committed to minimising disruption while delivering much-needed new homes.
“Construction activity can occasionally generate noise, vibration and dust, particularly during periods of dry weather, but a range of mitigation measures are in place and kept under regular review.
“The site operates within approved planning conditions and works are carefully managed to reduce impacts on neighbouring properties wherever reasonably practicable.
“We remain committed to being a responsible neighbour to the Hull Road, Withernsea community throughout the construction programme and will continue to regularly review our practices to ensure they remain effective.”