National House builder Barratt has started work on its site at Stobhill, Morpeth two weeks ago despite pre-commencement planning conditions not yet being discharged by the Council.

Local resident Rachael Hogg said “We feel that Barratt are acting in a massively inconsiderate way in the manner in which they have started this work without having had official permission to begin. They not adhering to the  general Northumberland construction working hours and some mornings have started before 7:30am causing disturbance to neighbouring properties.

“They are also parking vehicles on the grass verges outside of the site and have made an unofficial entrance onto the land from the A192 rather than the approved A196.”

Another local, Morpeth Conservatives Deputy Chairman Johnny Wearmouth said “Despite forcing this development through the planning system in the face of united opposition and in breach of the intentions of the draft Core Strategy, Barratt are now driving a coach and horses through industry best practice and showing total lack of consideration to people affected by this build. The Council needs to take action on these breaches.”

County Councillor Glen Sanderson, in whose division the development is located said. “I have been raising this issue at County Hall in conjunction with my colleague Councillor David Bawn to seek appropriate enforcement action by the Planning Authority. It is important that the Council takes appropriate action to restore local confidence in the process.” 

·         Barratt have 24 conditions set out by the secretary of state after granting them their appeal that they must adhere to with this development

·         14 conditions are pre-commencement conditions – these have not been discharged by NCC they have begun the site construction without permission

·         Work started on the site 24th august, 7.30am – 5pm, some pre-7.30am starts with noisy mechanical diggers.

·         H&S breach as they have no secure compound or parking, field is accessible to the public despite the metal railings erected in the hedge gap on their unofficial entrance on week 2 of development

·         General construction work hours in Northumberland are: Monday to Friday – 8am to 6pm, Saturdays – 8am to 1pm,  Noisy work prohibited on Sundays/Public Holidays, they are not adhering to this. 

·         They are not using agreed access route on A196, instead using a gap in the hedge on the A192 and parking on grass verges (60MPH road)

·         Barratt are members of the considerate constructors scheme, they are not adhering to the code of considerate practice

·         There has been no communication with the local residents about planned works etc.

Considerate construction scheme

Care about Appearance - Fail

Constructors should ensure sites appear professional and well managed

•Ensuring that the external appearance of sites enhances the image of the industry.

•Being organised, clean and tidy.

•Enhancing the appearance of facilities, stored materials, vehicles and plant.

•Raising the image of the workforce by their appearance.

 Respect the Community – Big Fail!

Constructors should give utmost consideration to their impact on neighbours and the public

•Informing, respecting and showing courtesy to those affected by the work.

•Minimising the impact of deliveries, parking and work on the public highway.

•Contributing to and supporting the local community and economy.

•Working to create a positive and enduring impression, and promoting the Code.

Protect the Environment - fail

Constructors should protect and enhance the environment

•Identifying, managing and promoting environmental issues.

•Seeking sustainable solutions, and minimising waste, the carbon footprint and resources.

•Minimising the impact of vibration, and air, light and noise pollution.

•Protecting the ecology, the landscape, wildlife, vegetation and water courses.

Secure everyone's Safety - fail

Constructors should attain the highest levels of safety performance

•Having systems that care for the safety of the public, visitors and the workforce.

•Minimising security risks to neighbours.

•Having initiatives for continuous safety improvement.

•Embedding attitudes and behaviours that enhance safety performance.

 Value their Workforce

Constructors should provide a supportive and caring working environment

•Providing a workplace where everyone is respected, treated fairly, encouraged and supported.

•Identifying personal development needs and promoting training.

•Caring for the health and wellbeing of the workforce.

•Providing and maintaining high standards of welfare.