Residents Frustrated by Construction Disruptions in Binfield

Residents living next to housing developments in Binfield are being affected by dust, noise and construction traffic, a councillor has said.

At a Bracknell Forest Council meeting this month, Binfield representative Sheila Collings questioned whether developers are sticking to agreements meant to limit disruption.

Housebuilders must follow Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs) while work is under way. These can include restricted hours, measures to cut dust and noise and bans on using certain roads.

Cllr Collings claimed: "Residents have been repeatedly impacted by large construction vehicles driven through the centre of Binfield and along Warfield Street despite neither route being permitted, or clouds of dust near Maize Lane because no water was available on-site to suppress that dust."

She warned some developers see CEMPs as paperwork to win permission rather than commitments to follow during construction, and asked what more could be done so sites comply from day one rather than only after complaints.

Responding, Cllr Guy Gillbe, the council's cabinet member for planning, transport and countryside, said CEMPs are enforceable and the council has tightened requirements in recent years.

He added site managers' contact details must now be displayed and developers are required to submit compliance reports to help officers spot issues.

Cllr Gillbe said: "Developers should be in no doubt that an approved CEMP applies from the first day of construction and throughout the works. The council will continue to use the planning and enforcement powers available to it to minimise the impact of construction upon neighbouring residents."

The exchange comes as a number of major housing developments are under construction across Binfield and Warfield. Cllr Collings said CEMPs should protect the quality of life of nearby residents and not be ignored until problems begin.

Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter