'Cracks and noise' as works start on estate

Northfield Terrace residents say they are "horrified" by the disruption

Work to redevelop a car park into 147 properties has caused "cracks" in the walls of nearby homes, residents say.

People living in Cheltenham's Northfield Terrace, close to a £55 million development scheme on the site of the North Place car park, said they are "utterly horrified" by the disruption.

As well as noise complaints, one resident said her house shakes when a large drill is used.

Developer Wavensmere Homes said steps had been taken to address complaints, while Cheltenham Borough Council said it was "investigating".

Emma Chetwynd Stapylton, one of the residents, said she had raised concerns with the council.

Emma Chetwynd Stapylton said she has recently noticed cracks in her walls

"I work from home, as does my husband and we are not able to conduct phone calls or hear ourselves think," she said in a letter to the council.

"On top of that, the house is shaking each time the large drill is used and they aren't even near my end of the street yet."

"Cracks have appeared in my walls in numerous places throughout my house.

"What happens when one of us tries to sell their house and a surveyor finds that there are cracks throughout and it is unstable – who will help us then?"

The houses in Northfield Terrace were built in the 1870s and Ms Chetwynd Staplyton said she is worried that they will not be able to withstand the vibration of the works.

She added that residents also suffered when the Dowty Building was renovated and said that cracks also appeared in her house them.

Vaughan Brothers Developments, which built Dowty, has been approached for comment.

Residents on Northfield Terrace say they have felt "vibrations" from the ground work

Work began at the end of February to create the £50m Arkle Court Development after planning permission was granted in August 2024.

Some residents said they supported the development but added the construction should not be detrimental to the needs of people living nearby.

"We're finding it very disruptive," said Nick Mr Morrow-Brown, whose wife is currently housebound due to ill health, and is struggling to sleep due to the noise and vibrations.

"We accept they have to do the buildings, but we're not sure that they're taking any steps to reduce the noise and the vibrations."

Ground works for the Wavensmere Homes scheme began last month

Craig Gee, construction director of Wavensmere Homes, said the company "sympathises with the concerns raised by residents", adding that "all construction activities" were being carried out within the management plan approved by Cheltenham Borough Council.

"These measures are designed to minimise disruption, whilst ensuring the project to deliver 147 much-needed new homes progresses safely and efficiently," he added.

The Borough Council said it is aware of the residents' concerns and is currently investigating the concerns.

M Laumbe Construction has also been approached for comment.