Residents near a housebuilding site in Harrogate have complained that a loud pile driver is ruining their day.
Developer Redrow Homes was given the green light to build 95 homes on Granby Farm by Harrogate Borough Council in April. The homes are currently being built in a field near Harrogate High School.
Pile drivers are machines that drive steel into the earth during the early stages of construction to create foundations.
One resident, Gary Walker, said the machine began on Monday and has been “constant” throughout this week. The field is surrounded by houses and he called on the council to take action.
Mr Walker said:
“I’ve never heard anything like it.
“I’ve closed all the windows as I couldn’t concentrate. It’s like living next to Big Ben. It’s constant and you can feel the vibrations shaking.
“This is a serious issue and the lack of consideration is very concerning.”
Read more:
- Harrogate residents disappointed at 95-home Granby Farm approval
- Plans approved to build 95 homes at Harrogate’s Granby Farm
Bill Shaw, who also lives nearby, worries that the noise and vibrations could scare dogs and cats and potentially affect people’s health.
He said:
“The noise is ridiculous. It’s a constant banging and crashing.”
The residents questioned whey there did not appear to be any measures in place to reduce the noise, such as sound barriers. They would like to see the pile driver stopped until the noise is addressed.
Tom Roberts, Redrow Homes said:
“Initial piling for our 95 new homes is due to be completed in the next few days, although there will be further piling required in the future which is an essential part of building our homes. We appreciate that this type of work can be disruptive for neighbours and thank them for their patience. We can assure them that we will always do our best to complete it as quickly as possible.
“The development will be known as Granby Meadows and we are looking forward to bringing the first properties to market in February next year. The development will include 40% affordable housing, high quality green space, a new footpath and cycle greenway connecting to Harrogate town centre and The Stray, plus local education contributions in excess of £500,000.”
The Stray Ferret contacted Harrogate Borough Council for a response but we did not receive one by the time of publication.
