Concerns have been raised about the safety of an abandoned building site in Plymouth where construction work has stopped, leaving homes unfinished and the site unsecured. The Whitleigh Gardens development has been left in a dangerous state, with security fencing damaged and reports of youngsters gaining access to the site. Mark Ayres, facility manager at Four Greens Community Trust, highlighted the dangers of the site and the lack of security measures in place.
The land, which was previously the site of the Whitleigh Community Centre, was sold to Whitleigh Developments Ltd, a part of G2 Housing Group Ltd, for the construction of energy-efficient homes. However, work on the project came to a halt more than a month ago, raising concerns about the safety of the site. Various contractors have been removing their equipment from the site, leaving it in an increasingly hazardous state.
Cllr Lee Finn, the ward councillor, expressed his concerns about the safety of the community and emphasized the need to secure the property as soon as possible. The Plymouth City Council, although no longer responsible for the site, is investigating the security concerns and engaging in discussions with G2 to address the issue. Residents have also voiced their worries about the site’s security and the potential risks it poses to the public.
Mr. Ayres highlighted the various dangers present at the site, including open deep sewers, trip hazards, and the risk of falling from height. He stressed the importance of securing the site to prevent any accidents or injuries. The lack of signage indicating that the site is off-limits has also contributed to young people viewing it as a playground, further increasing the safety risks.
Efforts are being made to contact Whitleigh Developments and G2 to address the security issues and resume work on the project. Cllr Finn has called for swift action to secure the site and ensure the safety of the community. The Plymouth City Council’s planning enforcement team is actively involved in addressing the concerns and working towards a resolution.
It is essential for the responsible parties to take immediate action to secure the site and mitigate the safety risks posed by the abandoned building site. The safety of the community should be a top priority, and measures need to be put in place to prevent any potential accidents or harm to individuals accessing the site. Residents and local authorities are united in their call for urgent action to address the safety concerns and secure the site effectively.