Persimmon Homes South East has written to neighbouring residents addressing their concerns and outlining piling works underway at their Otterham Park development in Otterham Quay Lane, Rainham.
Residents living in both Rainham and Upchurch have expressed their displeasure recently over the level of noise coming from the former orchard site where construction has begun on 300 new homes.
The housing estate will be the largest development in neighbouring Rainham North Ward for many years, located close to the boundary with Swale.
The developer wrote:
“Dear Resident,
PILING AT OTTERHAM
On Wednesday, May 19, Persimmon held a meeting with Rainham North Councillor Martin Potter and members of Medway Council's Environmental and Planning departments to discuss ongoing issues about our development at Otterham Quay Lane.
PILING AT OTTERHAM
On Wednesday, May 19, Persimmon held a meeting with Rainham North Councillor Martin Potter and members of Medway Council's Environmental and Planning departments to discuss ongoing issues about our development at Otterham Quay Lane.
Previously, noise and vibration from construction piling had been highlighted as intrusive, and enquiries made as to whether this could be reduced.
As such, we reduced working hours from 8am - 6pm to 8am - 12 noon and 12.30pm - 5pm with no weekend working. It was also agreed to delay Phase 2 of the piling from July / August, until after the summer holidays.
We were asked if any further reductions could be made, whether a programme of piling works could be distributed, and why this method of piling was necessary.
Following a ground investigation report by an engineering company, driven piling was identified as the only viable method for this development.
Persimmon also employed an acoustic company to install sound and vibration monitoring stations in key locations around the site in order to record levels throughout the day. Unfortunately, it was concluded that acoustic barriers were not a solution on this site, as they could not be constructed sufficiently tall enough to be effective. A second report is currently being prepared in conjunction with the acoustic company, looking at how levels can be reduced further.
The programme for piling works is as follows:
Phase 1: March - June. The area is mostly the Northern section but there will be a week or so in the Southern section where the permanent site compound will be erected.
Phase 2: September for 10 - 12 weeks. Again, mostly the Northern section of the site.
Phase 3: Estimated July / August 2023 for 10 - 12 weeks.
Prior to the start of Phases, 2 and 3 residents will be updated on the programme of works.
During the construction of the site, we will also continue to work closely with councillors and representatives of the planning and environmental department in order to ensure that disruption to residents' daily lives Is kept to an absolute minimum.
Phase 1: March - June. The area is mostly the Northern section but there will be a week or so in the Southern section where the permanent site compound will be erected.
Phase 2: September for 10 - 12 weeks. Again, mostly the Northern section of the site.
Phase 3: Estimated July / August 2023 for 10 - 12 weeks.
Prior to the start of Phases, 2 and 3 residents will be updated on the programme of works.
During the construction of the site, we will also continue to work closely with councillors and representatives of the planning and environmental department in order to ensure that disruption to residents' daily lives Is kept to an absolute minimum.
Yours faithfully
Persimmon Homes South East”
Upchurch Matters
