RESIDENTS living in the shadow of a housing development in Wrexham fear the latest construction works could cause damage to millions of pounds worth of property.
The Home Farm development, which will see 362 new homes built on land off Gresford Road, has caused much controversy in the past year, with work to install drainage for the estate only adding to the concerns of those living nearby.
Part of Gresford Road has been closed since April - initially for a period of 16 weeks - to allow the drainage work to be completed, but due to complications encountered by contractors with the composition of the ground, developers have had to apply to Wrexham Council for an extension to the initial period of closure, with fears it could have been shut until Christmas.
Jan Osborne, who lives on Gresford Road says the work to install drainage works has already caused damage to a neighbouring property
Jan Osborne, who lives on Gresford Road and is also a Llay Community Councillor, said the land on which her house sits is predominantly sand-based, and that one neighbouring property on the estate behind her has suffered minor structural damage due to the vibrations being caused by the ongoing work.
Mrs Osborne said: "I understand that a neighbouring property on the estate at the rear of my house has suffered minor structural damage to a sun room. This was caused when the digger hit a rock, which I also believe damaged the bucket on the digger.
"My main concern is that these vibrations could cause a shift in the ground and who knows what problems we could have ahead due to this. I have asked the question (to Wrexham council) about who will be liable if damage is caused and have been told that we would have to contact our home insurers first and get them to organise structural surveys.
"This has endless implications for our future, the possibility of subsidence, structural issues, devaluing our home, insurance premium increases, we should never have been put in this position."
Mrs Osborne went on to say that there has been no consultation process with residents about the work, with the only information issued at the moment being maps showing the route of the drains and blamed both the council and the contractor (Hollingsworth).
She said: "Any damage caused will be a direct result of the actions of Wrexham Council and Hollingsworth in their negligent behaviour, continuing this project with insufficient research into land composition and effects of the excavations on existing properties.
"These works have the potential to affect millions of pounds worth of property by the time they reach their conclusion, seemingly the developers pocket is of more concern to Wrexham Council than the existing residents’ homes."
Gresford Road has been closed since April and contractors having confirmed if will be closed until the end of October
According to Mrs Osborne, the main reason for the delay in the works is down to the fact contractors are having to pile-drive metal sheets into the holes they are cutting into the ground in an attempt to shore up the sand.
She added: "I find it totally shocking that the contractors were not aware of the composition of the land and consider the fact that they have cut into sand an issue.
"This should not have been an issue, this is something they should have known before they started digging. They are forging ahead regardless, ignoring all the concerns and giving no reassurance whatsoever.
"The place where I live has been turned from a beautiful, rural area to living on a building site with constant diggers, dumpers, noise, pollution and disruption."
In a letter sent to residents by Hollingsworth Bros (UK) Ltd on August 23, a copy of which has been seen by the Leader, they say they are hoping to have the works completed by October 31 and have formally acknowledged the difficulties with the ground.
It says: "I would like to reassure you that we will continue to do everything we can to improve on this date (October 31).
"Also, as a result of the ground conditions we are having to change or methodology which will result in us using vibratory equipment to install trench support equipment. During this time the developers will be carrying out structural surveys and vibration monitoring to reassure residents that the works will not be having any detrimental effect on the surrounding properties."
The letter goes on to say that access will be maintained for residents for most of the time of the road closure, but if access to driveways isn't possible between 8am and 6pm, alternative spaces will be created, with a site manager in attendance on site throughout.
Darren Williams, Chief Officer for Environment & Technical, said: "We understand that the developer has had some difficulties with ground conditions with respect to this work, and as a result they have contacted us in our capacity as street works co-ordinators to see if the ongoing works might be extended.
"However, we are also aware that the road area affected is of high value to the surrounding community, and this will have to be borne in mind when reviewing the request. We will also offer our views as to the timescales requested by the developer.
"Following receipt of complaints from some local residents about vibrations caused by the sheet-piling work, Public Protection Officers contacted the developers to request that vibration monitoring is carried out.
"A noise and vibration consultant engaged by the developers commenced this vibration monitoring last week and will be providing a preliminary report to Public Protection shortly."
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