RESIDENTS of a northern town say they are trapped in their homes by a nightmare newbuild estate – with builders making their houses shake.
Locals of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, are fuming that 200-year-old ponds and nearby allotments are being concreted over to build 22 homes.
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The work has reportedly left their properties rattling with “vibrations” as developers Urban Group erect six two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom social homes.
Helen Kirby, 62, who has lived opposite the site for 10 years, said: “I think it is a disgrace that they’re turning it into houses.
“It was a lovely tranquil space that just needed a bit of TLC – and it’s just been concreted over.
“Everyone is just so upset by it. Now we’re just blighted by round-the-clock noise.”
The local council initially refused permission for the development, but Urban successfully appealed to the Planning Inspectorate in London.
Fellow resident Mark Gledhill, 50, added: “When the roller is going up and down, it’s just horrendous.
“A neighbour had a tealight on the radiator that fell off – thankfully it wasn’t lit.”
He claimed that the site manager had “fobbed off” their concerns, fuming: “To be honest, I don’t trust a word they say.”
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Now, a separate planning application has been lodged by Connect Housing to build 78 homes on a nearby site, which has also provoked huge opposition from locals.
Sharon Hepworth, 53, lives among a cluster of four-terraced homes dividing the two housing schemes.
She told how she fears being boxed in between the two developments, with views from her back garden of Huddersfield’s iconic Victoria Tower blocked.
Sharon, who has lived in her home for 13 years, said: “It feels like we’re in the middle of never-ending building work.
“We’ve always had a beautiful view of Castle Hill and we’re not going to see it any more.
“All the light will be blocked from these new houses.”
Neighbour Carol Lewis added: “When these houses are built, we will no longer see Castle Hill. It will be like living in a box. There will be no light coming in.
We’re just blighted by round-the-clock noise.
Helen Kirby
“And where are people going to park? It’s already bedlam around here.
“We would have loved a community garden, a park with a little corner shop. Instead we’re going to be living in a concrete jungle.”
Others in the area claimed that the projects would add excessive demand to local schools, with developers “squeezing homes into places where they shouldn’t go”.
Planners will decide on the second application in September.
A Connect Housing spokesperson said: “Newsome Mill is a derelict, historical landmark for Huddersfield. We want to breathe fresh life into it in a way that enhances the local area for everyone.
“Our proposals for the redevelopment focus on creating green, public space alongside much-needed social housing.
“Public consultations on the redevelopment plans were held in March, with great feedback and positive comments from many members of the community.
“We understand residents’ concerns, and we will continue to work closely with the local community to ensure our plans – if approved – deliver a positive change for the area.”
Urban Group have been contacted for comment.
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