RESIDENTS say the development of a huge new industrial estate on their doorstep would make their lives “a misery”.
Maximus Group has put forward plans for an 11.8-hectare site off Blackpole Road, which it says would create more than 400 jobs for Worcester.
But if the plans are approved, the entrance to the industrial estate would be just metres from two existing houses.
SURROUNDED: Two homes (circled) would be dwarfed by the industrial estate, should it be given the go-ahead (Image: Maximus Group)
Occupants say they would be surrounded by the development and the “sanctuary” of their back gardens would be taken away.
Mille Medakovic, who owns one of the houses, said: “It’s not fair. We’ve lived here for more than 35 years and are trying to do the house up.
“I feel like it’s being railroaded through. No-one has spoken to me. Before anything is decided, I want someone to come here and have a chat.”
PLANS: Maximus says the development would bring 400 jobs to Worcester (Image: Maximus Group)
He said the noise from lorries thundering past on the Blackpole Road is so bad that he and his wife can only bear to have the windows open a short time even in hot weather.
Alarms and loudspeakers going off at nearby factories and seagulls on the factory roofs only add to the noise.
“It’s torture,” he said. “We’ve got human rights.”
GREEN: The proposed entrance to the industrial estate, just a few metres from two existing homes (Image: Phil Wilkinson-Jones/LDRS)
Mr Medakovic said his back garden and the green space earmarked for the development is his “sanctuary” at the moment but this will be lost if the industrial estate gets the go-ahead.
“Would the council consider putting two houses in the middle of an industrial estate? The answer would be no. It would be like living in a prison.
“Myself and my wife’s life would be made a misery.”
SANCTUARY: The fields earmarked for development are currently peaceful (Image: Phil Wilkinson-Jones/LDRS)
Mr Medakovic said noise monitoring equipment used by the developer was installed not outside the proposed access road for the industrial estate, but several hundred metres away on Hurst Lane, the other side of both the A449 and Hindlip Lane.
“It’s quieter up there,” said Mr Medakovic, “you can hear the birds. It’s what it used to be like here when we first moved here.”
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He said he did his own traffic survey between 7am and 8am on Tuesday (June 2) and recorded 26 lorries, 233 vans and about 700 cars.
He also raised concerns about flooding on the site, and said the nearby electrical substation was recently several feet underwater.
Mr Medakovic added: “Maximus group tried to buy us out, but said they would only offer us market value for the house. They knew these houses would be a problem. But why should I move?”
Neighbour Deborah Collins said: “The site is surrounded by existing industrial units, and the addition or intensification of activity in this area will inevitably increase noise levels, particularly during early mornings, evenings, and potentially overnight.
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“This ongoing disturbance is likely to disrupt sleep, which is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health.”
She said the “only respite” from the noise is her garden but added: “The proposed development would remove this remaining buffer and effectively surround my property with industrial activity.”
A spokesperson for Maximus Group said: “Local engagement has taken place and any concerns have been addressed as part of the planning application process.”
