UK: Rollercoaster-sized industrial unit sparks fury from people living nearby
- 11 months ago
Residents of a quiet cul-de-sac are outraged after a huge industrial unit dubbed “a big dipper rollercoaster” was built yards from their homes.
People living in Winyates Green in Redditch, Worcs., also fear their estate will be taken over by factory workers dumping their cars and clogging up the roads.
The giant metal frame of the 450,000sq ft building was erected in less than ten days as part of a multi-million-pound scheme.
It is the first of two planned for the community as part of a gateway scheme which will see industrial and housing estates popping up around the town.
Fuming locals say their once picturesque views of rolling meadows and trees has been ruined by the 50ft-high structure.
Some say drilling work is sending vibrations through their homes sparking fears of damage to their properties.
June Roberts, 69, a retired hairdresser, said: “I think it’s destroyed the area.”
Ann Thompson, 72, who has lived in the area for 12 years, said: “It's horrendous. We were told it was only going to be three floors but it's much higher than that.
“We were lied to from day one by the developers. We were told it was one very small unit with one small warehouse.
“When we asked who was moving in the council ignored us. Our main concern for all of us is the noise, air and light pollution.
“We've been told it’ll be 24 hours a day. If the noise is going on all night I don’t know what that’s like.
“We’re very stressed out as residents with grave concern about pollution and anger because of the lies. We’ve contemplated moving.
“My neighbour and I both have horrendous vibrations in our bungalow from when they were putting footings in.
“There were just enormous bangs at early hours.
“Parking is also another issue. My concern is if they can’t park on the Far Moor Lane we think they’ll come onto the estate.
“We’re angry because we’re not being told the truth and we can’t know the colour. We're all devastated as it’s been such a beautiful quiet area.
“We call it the big dipper because it’s like having a huge rollercoaster being built behind your home.
“The width of the warehouse has trebled in size, it’s frightening.”
Resident Tony Bartlam 75, who is recovering from a stroke, said: “I have to sit on my sofa looking out the window and instead of trees I’m looking at that monstrosity.
“It’s affecting my mental health.
“I can see it in virtually full view from my armchair. At the moment it sticks out like a sore thumb.
“We’ve been in this house for 18 years and when we moved in they said it was green belt and wouldn’t be built on but it's status has now changed over the years.
“It looks a lot higher than we were led to believe.
“I used to look up there and see a view of nice green trees and a hill. Now that’s all been blanked out for me.
“I’m just recovering from a stroke and I have to be in the chair a lot. Looking at it all day is driving me crackers."
People living in Winyates Green in Redditch, Worcs., also fear their estate will be taken over by factory workers dumping their cars and clogging up the roads.
The giant metal frame of the 450,000sq ft building was erected in less than ten days as part of a multi-million-pound scheme.
It is the first of two planned for the community as part of a gateway scheme which will see industrial and housing estates popping up around the town.
Fuming locals say their once picturesque views of rolling meadows and trees has been ruined by the 50ft-high structure.
Some say drilling work is sending vibrations through their homes sparking fears of damage to their properties.
June Roberts, 69, a retired hairdresser, said: “I think it’s destroyed the area.”
Ann Thompson, 72, who has lived in the area for 12 years, said: “It's horrendous. We were told it was only going to be three floors but it's much higher than that.
“We were lied to from day one by the developers. We were told it was one very small unit with one small warehouse.
“When we asked who was moving in the council ignored us. Our main concern for all of us is the noise, air and light pollution.
“We've been told it’ll be 24 hours a day. If the noise is going on all night I don’t know what that’s like.
“We’re very stressed out as residents with grave concern about pollution and anger because of the lies. We’ve contemplated moving.
“My neighbour and I both have horrendous vibrations in our bungalow from when they were putting footings in.
“There were just enormous bangs at early hours.
“Parking is also another issue. My concern is if they can’t park on the Far Moor Lane we think they’ll come onto the estate.
“We’re angry because we’re not being told the truth and we can’t know the colour. We're all devastated as it’s been such a beautiful quiet area.
“We call it the big dipper because it’s like having a huge rollercoaster being built behind your home.
“The width of the warehouse has trebled in size, it’s frightening.”
Resident Tony Bartlam 75, who is recovering from a stroke, said: “I have to sit on my sofa looking out the window and instead of trees I’m looking at that monstrosity.
“It’s affecting my mental health.
“I can see it in virtually full view from my armchair. At the moment it sticks out like a sore thumb.
“We’ve been in this house for 18 years and when we moved in they said it was green belt and wouldn’t be built on but it's status has now changed over the years.
“It looks a lot higher than we were led to believe.
“I used to look up there and see a view of nice green trees and a hill. Now that’s all been blanked out for me.
“I’m just recovering from a stroke and I have to be in the chair a lot. Looking at it all day is driving me crackers."