Furious residents to be blocked from own driveways for almost a year
Residents in a Derbyshire village have been told they will be unable to access their own driveways for up to 40 weeks due to construction work on a new housing development.
Homeowners in Mickleover, Derby, will face restricted access to their properties six days a week between 8am and 8pm starting from January.
The controversial measures are part of the Green Fields development by Miller Homes and Redrow, which has left local residents furious.
Some villagers are now considering moving away from their homes due to the extensive disruption.
The restrictions were announced in a letter from T Balfe Construction, the project’s subcontractor, which also warned of limitations on deliveries and collections.
Received on December 6, the letter to residents stated properties would only remain accessible via footpaths.
The restrictions are set to begin in January, though some locals fear the 40-week timeline could extend even further.
Ward councillor Gaurav Pandey expressed concern about the project’s duration, noting that traffic lights were already being installed ahead of the planned January start date.
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“With regards to this particular issue, my concern is the length of the period, that is 40 weeks and could go longer,” said Pandey.
The development has already sparked controversy with the removal of hedges and mature trees during initial works.
Local resident Sandra Reeves, 62, expressed her distress at the situation.
“I just can’t believe it’s happening. It’s really upsetting me. I don’t know what the limited access will mean,” she said.
Reeves added: “The disruption is going to be awful. It is driving me away from my home, where I brought all my children up.”
Another resident, Connor Foley, 33, voiced strong opposition to the plans.
“I can speak for pretty much everyone that nobody wants this. I’m not in agreement with the limited access. I won’t abide by it unless they stand in my drive,” he said.
Foley also raised concerns about increased traffic and heavy machinery in the area.
“In terms of traffic, it is going to be absolutely horrendous,” he said.
Miller Homes has responded to residents’ concerns through a statement from technical director Mark Potter.
“Our contractors have written to residents living near the development site on Radbourne Lane to make sure, well ahead of the work commencing, that everyone is aware,” Potter said.
He emphasised that residents were encouraged to contact the company with their concerns.
“While we appreciate that there will be disruption to nearby residents which cannot be completely avoided, we will work with our contractors to do whatever we can to minimise this disruption,” he added.
The company pledged to accommodate the specific needs of nearby residents wherever possible during the construction period.