Residents of a quiet cul-de-sac are outraged that a huge 290,000sq ft ‘monstrosity’ industrial unit is being built yards from their homes.
Locals of Winyates Green in Redditch, Worcestershire are fuming that their once picturesque view of rolling meadows and trees has been ruined by the 50ft-high structure.
The warehouse, which locals have dubbed ‘a big dipper rollercoaster’, 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. The second unit will be around 160,000sq ft, meaning together they will span 450,000sq ft.
But residents are slamming the developer over the ‘horrendous’ unit, alleging the firm ‘lied from day one’ about the size of the building. They also claim to have ‘grave concern’ over the noise, air and light pollution caused by construction.
Residents of a quiet cul-de-sac in Winyates Green, Redditch are outraged after a huge 290,000sq ft ‘monstrosity’ industrial unit is built yards from their homes
Locals of Winyates Green in Redditch, Worcestershire are fuming that their once picturesque view of rolling meadows and trees has been ruined by the 50ft-high structure. A 69-year-old resident is pictured outside her home, pointing to the warehouse
The new structure 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
The Redditch Gateway area is pictured before construction of the industrial unit began
‘We were lied to from day one by the developers. We were told it was one very small unit with one small warehouse,’ resident Ann Thompson, 72, said.
‘It’s horrendous. We were told it was only going to be three floors but it’s much higher than that.’
Ms Thompson, who has lived in the area for 12 years, says most community members are worried about noise, air and light pollution.
She is among those who claim drilling work is sending vibrations through their homes, sparking fears of property damage.
‘My neighbour and I both have horrendous vibrations in our bungalow from when they were putting footings in,’ she revealed.
‘There were just enormous bangs at early hours. 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.’
The pensioner, alleging the ‘width of the warehouse has trebled in size’, added that parking is also an issue. She fears that if people cannot park on the Far Moor Lane that they will ‘come onto the estate’.
The warehouse, which locals have dubbed ‘a big dipper rollercoaster’, was erected in less than ten days as part of a multi-million-pound scheme
Tony Bartlam 75, who is recovering from a stroke, said the industrial unit is ‘affecting my mental health’, adding that looking out at the ‘monstrosity’ is ‘driving me crackers’
Mr Bartlam also claimed the unit is a ‘lot higher’ than residents were told it would be. His wife looks out of their bedroom window which faces the structure
This photograph shows Illshaw Close, Winyates Green before construction of the Redditch Gateway started
This photograph shows Far Moor Lane, Winyates Green in 2021 before construction of the Redditch Gateway started
She continued: ‘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.
Tony Bartlam 75, who is recovering from a stroke, said the industrial unit is ‘affecting my mental health’, adding that looking out at the ‘monstrosity’ is ‘driving me crackers’.
‘I’m just recovering from a stroke and I have to be in the chair a lot,’ he said. ‘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.
‘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.
‘I have to sit on my sofa looking out the window and instead of trees I’m looking at that monstrosity. I can see it in virtually full view from my armchair. At the moment it sticks out like a sore thumb.’
Mr Bartlam also claimed the unit is a ‘lot higher’ than residents were told it would be.
Ann Thompson, 72, has lived in the area for 12 years. She says residents are worried about noise, air and light pollution. She said drilling work is sending vibrations through their homes, sparking fears of property damage
One local said she was concerned about the impact on traffic, alleging the area is already congested due to local businesses and that residents feel like they’ve been ‘stitched up’. The industrial unit can be seen from the Illshaw Close roadway
Residents are slamming the developer over the ‘horrendous’ unit, alleging the firm ‘lied from day one’ about the size of the building. This photograph shows how the reported 50ft-high structure towers over the area’s trees
Pam Oldfield, who lives on the estate, echoed this: ‘When the structure went up it was a shock, it’s a lot higher than we were expecting.
‘We don’t know who is occupying the building which is really important as we don’t know the type of work they will be doing, working hours, and how it will affect noise and air pollution.’
Jackie Lee, 40, said she was concerned about the project’s impact on traffic, alleging the area is already congested due to local businesses and that residents feel like they’ve been ‘stitched up’.
She said: ‘It’s disgraceful. As there is set to be a pathway built from the gateway to Winyates Green, people who work there will be walking through the estate and parking on the closes.’
Chair of Winyates Green Residents Association Mark Crompton, slammed the plans, saying that officials have disregarded the consequences.
He said: ‘We feel like we are being dumped on. This monstrosity has been built and when are the trees going to be put up to shield at least some of the warehouse?
‘We have been dealt a rough deal.’
Developer Stoford and contractor Winvic said work is ‘progressing’ at Redditch Gateway as ‘approved by local planning authorities’.
Developer Stoford and contractor Winvic said work is ‘progressing’ at Redditch Gateway as ‘approved by local planning authorities’. The warehouse, as seen from the residential community, is being constructed
The firm claims its on-site teams are continuing to ‘adhere to the latest working practices to ensure the programme is delivered quickly and safely, with as little disruption as possible’.
Redditch Borough Council leader Matt Dormer also met with residents last week to address their concerns.
He said: ‘We are where we are with the Redditch Gateway – it’s about mitigation now. It’s about how we can lessen the impact and make sure there are no more problems.
‘I was against this from day one for an employment site. I will work with developers and the residents to get some sort of natural screening up.’
A spokesman for Stoford and Winvic said the new units were being developed ‘in accordance with plans approved by Stratford-on-Avon District Council in March 2023’.
They added: ‘Stoford and Winvic have engaged and consulted with local residents and councillors since preparations were made for the original planning application in 2017. For example, the scheme’s colour palette is a direct result of feedback given during those meetings.
‘Stoford met local residents and councillors on site this week (Tuesday 27 June) having been recently informed of concerns that were lodged with the Council. Copies of the approved plans were shared with those present and residents accepted that the development is being delivered in accordance with those plans.
‘Stoford has committed to planting oak trees on the site boundary to further assist in screening the buildings.’
