North Taunton Woolaway Project News - Welcome to ENGIE - your Main Contractor for the North Taunton Woolaway Project - Somerset West and Taunton
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
North Taunton Woolaway
Project News
Welcome to ENGIE – your Main Contractor for the North
Taunton Woolaway Project
ENGIE is delighted to be working with SWT to develop the North Taunton Woolaway
Project. In the coming months we will be mobilising on site to build 47 new homes in Phase
A, which have recently been demolished, which is the first phase of a larger regeneration
project for the area. We have selected an experienced and committed team for the duration
of this project, who we are delighted to introduce to you below:
Shawn Helley
Senior Site Manager
Shawn is the Project lead, overseeing
day to day activities on site, upholding
health and safety, quality and progress.
Shawn is committed to delivering great new homes for
Matt Franks
the area whilst minimising disruption to existing
Contracts Manager
residents.
Matt will be actively
Charlie Hargreaves involved in the
Community Engagement Manager pre-construction
for Wales and the South West phase ensuring implementation
Charlie (alongside Elaine Jones) will be of effective processes and
overseeing the social value commitments. procedures. Matt will also
They will be responsible for providing regular updates conduct regular inspections and
to residents via various social media platforms, audit processes to ensure
residents meetings and drop in sessions – ensuring the delivery targets and
local community continue to feel a part of the Project. . performance levels are met.
Newsletter Autumn 2020
Phase
PHASEAA Update
UPDATE
As we’re sure you’ll have seen, things have been progressing really well on Phase A of the
North Taunton Woolaway Project. Demolition is now complete for all of Phase A - Wells Close,
Rochester Road, Bodmin Road, Dorchester Road and Cambridge Terrace.
You may also have noticed our time-lapse cameras popping up. Due to COVID restrictions there
was a delay in getting the cameras up in all locations to cover the demolition of all properties,
however, we did have one in place that captured the demolition of 1-3 and 2-8 Dorchester Road
and on our Facebook Group you will see short clips giving you an idea of what to expect from
these going forward. They are now in place to capture the entire build process, which will be
fantastic to document how the area changes over the coming months. We have positioned the
cameras to cover the key development areas in Phase A.
With autumn now here and the evenings getting darker, we’d kindly ask you to remind young
children that this is very much a live construction site and of the dangers associated with this.
No unauthorised entry is permitted at any time, this is for the safety of all.
We appreciate this may well be an emotional time for some of our residents and our project
team are here for you to contact if you have any concerns or questions about what’s happening
now or in the forthcoming weeks.
What we have achieved so far
You may recall the timeline which was produced at the design stage of this project, the
Project has been granted full planning permission for Phase A, outline planning for Phases B –
E and Phase A has started on site with the demolition being completed. We are now at the
Phase A – commencement of build stage. ENGIE are due to commence building work on
Phase A at the end of this year. You may have seen several consultants around the estate
completing various surveys and reports. We are also progressing the Reserved Matters
planning submissions for Phases B – E which are scheduled for Spring/Summer 2021. We are
reviewing the programme and a report will go to Council in December 2020 to secure the
funding for and progress the future phases in partnership with ENGIE.
Next Steps…
Winter 2020
Public
ENGIE to
Report to Consultation on
commence
Council to Reserved Matters
construction of
proposals:
Winter 2020/Spring
Phase A. Reserved progress
Matters being future Layout & Housing
drafted Phases Design
2021
Summer 2021 Green Space
Spring 2021 Refurbished
Submission Phase B Ecology Homes
of Reserved Surveys to be Public Exhibition
Matters completed of Plans prior to
Submission
Newsletter Autumn 2020
Getting Involved
The Residents’ Design Group has now become the Implementation Working Group (IWG) and
the Council continues to meet with residents to review the progress of the scheme and
discuss any issues regarding the Project. If you are interested in joining the IWG and live
within the Project area please do not hesitate to contact us and find out more about it.
Alternatively, you may like to join one of the Working Groups, become a Street Rep or be an
Arm Chair Reader. The Council wants to work with residents of the North Taunton Woolaway
community to hear your views and enable residents to shape the regeneration of the North
Taunton Woolaway Project area. We are seeking volunteers from residents of the NTWP area
to work with us to influence the remaining design questions and develop initiatives to support
better health, employment, training, education and quality of life.
There are several ways you can get involved:
1. Community Working Groups: There are five Working Groups each
dealing with a specific theme:
•Review progress on construction works
•Customer concerns regarding construction works
Works & Low Carbon •Specification of the new build homes and
investigate low carbon initiatives
•Support the communication for the Project
•Check literature
Communication •Agree consultation approach
•Develop consultation ideas
•Support ideas around the green space and street
Environment & Green scene
Space •Community green space design
•Estate management
•Maximise training, apprenticeships and employment
Employment & Training opportunities
•Maximise training and education opportunities
•Develop sustainable business plan for the
Community Facility Community Facility on Phase A
The aim of each Working Group is to consider proposals and make recommendations to the
Council on matters relating to the Working Group theme. We are looking to have up to eight
residents for each Working Group, who will work with ENGIE, a NTWP Officer, IWG reps and
any other relevant partnerships. Each Group will agree the frequency of meetings, which will
initially be virtual via Zoom or Teams due to current COVID restrictions. The Council will look
at how to support residents with technology if you do not have access.
2. Street Reps: We are seeking one volunteer from each street within the North Taunton
Woolaway Project so the Council can understand how the Project is affecting you and
your neighbours and any estate management issues. Can you represent the views of
your street and share information with your neighbours?
3. Arm Chair Readers: Do you have an eye for detail? We are seeking volunteers
to review Project information such as factsheets, leaflets, consultation
boards, newsletters etc. Let us know your thoughts, is it easy to
understand and accessible for everyone?
If you would like to volunteer and are interested in any of these options, please contact the
Project Team and we will be able to provide further information such as how long the
meetings will take, what is involved and what level of commitment is required.
Newsletter Autumn 2020
Phase A – Ecology Update
LA Moore have been working closely with Encompass Ecology regarding the demolition of the
properties in Phase A. As part of the planning conditions, nesting bird surveys were undertaken
to assess the presence of nesting locations that might pose a constraint to the demolition
process and appropriate measures were put in place to protect nesting bird interest on site.
All nesting birds are protected during the nesting season under the Wildlife and Countryside
Act 1981 (as amended), with nests being protected from the first moment nesting is
commenced up until the last juvenile has fledged the nest. The nesting bird survey identified a
total of seven confirmed locations and four suspected locations (all House Sparrows).
Nesting bird surveys were carried out on the entire Phase A area on 1 July, 13 July, 20 July, 28
July and 5 August 2020 to update the results and allow works to proceed on site around
nesting constraints. Site operatives were inducted by the Ecologist before demolition.
All outbuildings, structures and vegetation within Phase A has been searched for evidence of
further bird breeding constraints on site.
The latest survey confirmed that all locations were free of nesting birds and allowed demolition
to be carried out (in so far as ecological issues), although 2 and 4 Dorchester Road required a
further bat licence before any demolition works could commence.
The Ecologist confirmed that the bird nesting assessments and monitoring undertaken has
been successful in protecting nesting birds.
LA MOORE & PYRLAND FIELDS
PRIORSWOOD
COMMUNITY GOOD NEWS Here’s a picture of some of our
North Taunton tenants which
CENTRE
As you will know STORIES lived together in Durham Place
and now live together at Pyrland
during the summer, Fields!
the Priorswood
The North Taunton Woolaway Project has Take a look on the next page to
Community Centre
been shortlisted for a property award hear some good news about
suffered some
significant fire their and another tenants move
The Woolaway homes scheme in Priorswood
damage to the front to Pyrland Fields and how they
has been recognised by Michaelmores Property
of the building. found their moving experience!
Awards for its ‘sensitively handled,
On behalf of the construction-led proposal and the economic,
community and the environmental, and social benefits’ the
Project Team, we’d development will bring to the area. The awards
like to say a huge recognise the very best South West property
thank you to Ben and construction schemes, as well as the teams
from LA Moore who involved.
recently spent his Emma Honey, partner and head of the real
Saturday painting estate team at Michelmores LLP, said: "This
the front of the year's shortlist reflects the exceptional quality
building. I’m sure of the development that has taken place over
you’ll agree it’s the last year.
looking great now “Congratulations to everyone involved in this
after the damage it year's shortlisted projects - we look forward to
suffered during the revealing this year's esteemed winners at a
fire. virtual event on 12 November."
THANK YOU – what The Taunton project has been shortlisted in the
a great job! Masterplanning for the Future category.
Newsletter Autumn 2020
The new build homes at Pyrland Fields had Section 106 requirements for its nearest parishes, local
connections and North Taunton to have preferences on Homefinder Somerset allowing our tenants a great
chance to move to their forever home. Seven households from the North Taunton Woolaway Project were
offered one of the new builds and decided to take the opportunity to move.
Four of the seven households spoke with the Project Team and provided comments on how their move
went and their experience throughout the project. Take a look below to see some of the feedback we
received!
“Found the process absolutely brilliant! Happy with all the information that was provided from Olivia and
Mary. The move went brilliant with removals and kept them happy with cups of tea. Happy that the flooring
went in first rather than after I moved in. There was a couple of hiccups with an external provider which are
now being resolved, project team have assisted as much as they can but understand it is outside of the
Council. Overall I am happy with the process, everything has gone well.” – Shelda Thompson
When asked what they like most about their new house Denise & Kelvyn Hunt gave the following feedback
– “Love the quietness, a lot more efficient with cleaning so much easier than before. The cat was used to
the house in two days which was amazing couldn’t believe the cat became so accustomed which is like
myself (Denise) as I used to live in the country when I was younger so was lovely being able to move back
to a more rural area. Nice having such a different setting only being ½ mile away from where previous
living with the wildlife and being so close to the National Trust – so quiet, I love it up here. It had got to a
stage living at Durham Place where I just didn’t want to return as it had had its time and the houses just
needed a lot of work done to them. We fully understand why and think the Project is well due as the
houses need to be demolished due to disrepair and happy with the different options offered for moving.
We had difficulties with options on Homefinder but saw the advertisement in the newsletter and spoke
with the Project Team and went forward with applying for these via Homefinder – great opportunity to
move together in North Taunton and stay with our neighbours who all help and support each other.
Looking forward to having big BBQ’s up here with neighbours like we used to have in Durham Place.”
We are happy you are able to have childhood memories brought back to you Denise and that the Hunts
and their neighbours can resume their summer BBQ’s together!
Another resident provided the following comments on any difficulties faced during the project and advice
for other tenants – “No problems throughout the process of moving to be concerned with. Initially worried
at thought of moving and not being able to move when wanting to. I didn’t want a new build as wanted a
bigger garden so wasn’t interested initially in these homes. After speaking to Mary and family visiting the
properties I found I really liked the property and thought it would suit me well. I appreciated the effort from
the team to speak about the property and advice on options to go forward. Good opportunity. Advice is to
go for opportunities which arise through the Project and Council. Keep options open as you might be
closed off to something originally but on actually seeing things it might turn out great.”
We asked Sandra Pike how she felt at the start of the Project compared to now and if there was anything
the Project Team/Council could have done to improve the moving experience?
“At the start I didn’t think the project was a good idea but now agree with why it is happening and happy
with the help provided in getting my new home. I was stressed at the beginning in regards to packing and
sorting but once in and moved, extremely happy with the outcome and had help from the kids as unable to
do a lot currently. 40 years at previous home so sad to have all the memories but this house now is much
more manageable with garden etc. Everybody has been so helpful easy to talk to any problems or worries
just picked up the phone and all sorted. I wouldn’t have done anything different. The Team has been so
helpful with sorting problems just phoned up the Project Team who I would give 100% to as they have
been absolutely wonderful and couldn’t have asked for a better Project Team. Really appreciated all the
help and information throughout – wonderful didn’t expect so much co-operation and was really happy
with everything provided.”
Further detailed accounts of these tenants move will be posted on our Facebook Group so make sure you
keep an eye out to hear more about these positive experiences moving through the North Taunton
Woolaway Project!
Newsletter Autumn 2020
Demolition Contractor Update
Our demolition contractor LA Moore Ltd were audited recently by the Considerate
Constructors Scheme (CCS) and we wanted to share their fantastic result with you.
Contractors are marked on their compliance across five elements for a CCS audit;
Care about appearance
Respect the community
Protect the environment
Secure everyone’s safety
Value their workforce
Each element of the CCS audit is scored out of nine, with nine being ‘exceptional’ and we’d
like to take this opportunity to congratulate LA Moore on receiving exceptional scores of nine
in three out of five elements and a score of eight ‘excellent’ in the other two giving them an
‘excellent-exceptional’ rating overall. Despite the challenges over recent months they have
continued to maintain exceptionally high standards on site. We would like to share some
detail from the report which demonstrates LA Moore’s commitment to all of the above.
“Appearance is positive and gives a first-class image of the Industry. The report asks if the
achievements and values demonstrated by the site can be used as an advert for the Industry
by inclusion on public notice boards and the company web site.”
“Respect for the Community demonstrates high values and shows a real care for the locality
and its residents, hopefully the time will come when the Pandemic allows the plans made to
come to fruition.”
“Environmental Protection is paramount and shows practical on-site measures for ecology
and a real positive approach to waste.”
“Safety for All is in place and covers the whole site and regeneration area in its scope, well
done! The COVID-19 Pandemic has meant changes to the way the site set is organised and
used, the health and personal safety of all site and the working practices during demolition
activities. The Construction Leadership guideline have been used to good effect.
“Value for the workforce shows that the high company values in the ‘office’ report are
positively in place on this site. All the workforce are employees and receive high levels of
care and encouragement both in the workplace and well as their personal life.”
Following on from this LA Moore submitted an entry to the CCS ‘Best Practise Hub’ for their
efforts in ‘showing sensitivity to the community’.
We’re pleased to say their entry has been reviewed and approved and now features on the
CCS Best Practise Hub website.
This is fantastic to see and if you would like to take a look, the link is below.
Well done LA Moore!
https://ccsbestpractice.org.uk/entries/showing-sensitivity-to-the-community/
Newsletter Autumn 2020
Woolaway Reminiscence Project
By artist Carolyn Lefley and Somerset Art Works
I have been visiting the Woolaway Project area for a year now, to meet residents and take photographs for
the Woolaway Reminiscence Project. I have visited residents in their homes, to listen to, record and archive
memories of life in the Woolaway houses. The final output of this art project will celebrate personal stories
and shared social history and ideas have developed in collaboration with residents. A small booklet was
created at a midway point in the project, showcasing the photographs and stories collected so far. The
project blog has been updated regularly throughout the project. In February, filmmaker Hannah Earl made
a beautiful short film about the project, which can be viewed on the Woolaway Stories blog.
This 12 month project is now drawing to a close and I’m reviewing all of the material I’ve collected over the
past year. At each home I visit I usually spend an hour or so listening to stories of life in the Woolaway
houses, over a cup of tea. I’ve been recording these conversations and I’ve made a short 4 minute film
using residents’ audio alongside relevant photographs. In this film we hear stories of paper rounds, den
building, scrumping apples, getting married and trips to Devon in a bubble car! One of my favourite quotes
is at the end: “This house has been good to us”. You can listen by either clicking on the link on the blog or
typing in the following online:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKtMLenVsIA
I plan to include a selection of cyanotype prints as part of the final artworks to be displayed in the new
community space. Large scale artworks will be created showcasing the photographs and prints made
during this project. I’ll be documenting the creation of these artworks on the project blog next month. The
final photographic artworks will be displayed in the new Community Space (date to be confirmed).
Carolyn Lefley
For more information see woolawaystories.home.blog or email woolawaystories@gmail.com
Taunton and Wellington Cats Protection
Due to the demolition and building work taking place, this will be disruptive to cats and their territories.
Moving house is always stressful for cats, and we recommend that they should be kept in for at least
three weeks when moved to a new property. They will still have a tendency to return to their former
location, especially if they have only moved a short distance.
People finding cats wandering are advised not to start feeding them, otherwise they will not return to
their proper homes. Ask around your neighbours to see if anyone recognises or knows the cat. If a cat
persistently appears at a property, and is approachable, place a paper collar on it with a contact number,
as this is an effective way of tracing an owner. You can make a collar by cutting a half inch strip of paper
from the long side of a sheet of A4 paper, and putting it around the cat’s neck, not too tightly, and sealed
with Sellotape. As paper collars are easily lost, it is recommended that this be done three times.
If you are able to, and have a cat basket, take the cat to a vet and ask them to scan it to see if it is
microchipped. This is normally free of charge. Un-neutered cats will wander, sometimes long distances,
and it is always recommended that if you have a cat, you get it microchipped. Contact your preferred vet
for information, and to see what services they can offer.
In these difficult times, it is very frustrating for us that we cannot provide the level of welfare for cats that
we would like to. Services are very slowly getting back to normal, but not as quickly as we would like.
However, if you are aware that there is a cat that has nobody to care for it (for example, if its owner has
died and there are no relatives or neighbours to feed it) please call us. We may not be able to help
immediately but will do our best. Similarly if there is a known stray cat with kittens, please let us know, as
they will be vulnerable, and if we cannot help, we may know someone who can.
Call 03452 602 397 or email us on enquiries@taunton.cats.org.uk
Newsletter Autumn 2020
Emotional Health Checks
Let
With COVID-19 restrictions are getting lifted and we are adapting to the new normal and Phase
A of the North Taunton Woolaway project well underway, we would like to remind you of the
free support services available to residents in any property affected by the North Taunton
Woolaway Project, NHS Emotional Health Checks provided by Talking Therapies and support
and advocacy from MIND.
An emotional health check may benefit you in making adjustments, changes in circumstances
and consider the impact of these changes on your emotions. Emotional health checks are
designed to give you greater access to advice, self-help ‘tools’ and support around managing
everyday low mood, worries, frustration and stress. It is a free and confidential advice session
over the telephone. You will be asked some simple questions about your mood, how things
feel for you and your stress levels. You will then be given some feedback, including some self-
help materials that are specific for you. In some instances other support and help may be
suggested if needed. The session will last between 20-30 minutes. You can arrange an
Emotional Health Check by contacting Talking Therapies on 0300 323 0033. Alternatively, you
can complete an online self-referral form if you are 18 years or over on
www.somersetft.nhs.uk/somerset-talking-therapies/refer-yourself//
An alternative service is provided by MIND who are a support and advocacy project for
residents in any property affected by the North Taunton Woolaway Project, as well as tenants
of Somerset West and Taunton Council who have mental wellbeing issues. Mental wellbeing
can be defined as having life satisfaction, optimism, self-esteem, a sense of belonging and
being able to cope with daily life and all its stresses and strains...
They will:
Provide mental health information.
Signpost to appropriate services.
Identify options.
Listen and offer emotional support where needed
Accompany someone to meetings or appointments, as a supportive presence.
Represent clients in situations where they don’t feel able to represent themselves.
Help with letters, emails, and phone calls.
As well as offer support with domestic abuse issues, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and any
mental health issues. If you think they may be able to help you please contact them on 01823
334906, email advocacy@mindinsomerset.org.uk or ask your Estates Officer to make a referral.
Need to contact us?
Contact the Project Team via email, phone. Facebook page.
Community Office: Open Tuesdays 13:00-16:00 & Thursdays 10:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:00
Email: northtauntonwoolawayproject @somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk
Telephone: 01823 219 159
Facebook: North Taunton Woolaway Project Group
If you would like to report any non-emergency crimes please call 101.
Please note due to COVID-19 our offices are shut, we will keep you updated when the offices
re-open.
Newsletter Autumn 2020
You can also read
