'Industrial estate would make our lives a misery'

The development of a large industrial estate would make people's lives "a misery" if it went ahead, residents have said.

Plans for the proposed 11.8-hectare (29-acre) site off Blackpole Road in Worcester have been put forward by Maximus Group, which said it could create more than 400 jobs.

If it wins approval from Worcester City Council, the entrance to the estate would be metres from existing homes, causing concern among those living nearby.

Maximus said it had engaged with residents and any concerns had been addressed as part of the planning process.

Mille Medakovic, who has lived in one of the homes near the proposed entrance for 35 years, said it would not be fair for the residents.

"I feel like it's being railroaded through," he added. "No-one has spoken to me. Before anything is decided, I want someone to come here and have a chat."

He said the noise of lorries driving past on Blackpole Road was already "torture" for him and his wife.

The green space behind his back garden, which has been earmarked for the development, was his only "sanctuary", he added.

"Would the council consider putting two houses in the middle of an industrial estate? The answer would be no," Medakovic said.

"It would be like living in a prison. Our lives would be made a misery."

Resident Deborah Collins said the site was already surrounded by existing industrial units and was worried the proposed development would inevitably increase noise levels.

"This ongoing disturbance is likely to disrupt sleep, which is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health," she added.

Collins said the only respite from the current noise from the road and existing industrial units was her garden but said the development would remove "this last remaining buffer", due to it being so close to her home.

"It would effectively surround my property with industrial activity," she said.

Maximus director Jon Hickton previously said the development would "support economic growth" and potential occupiers had already expressed interest.

In response to the concerns raised by residents, a spokesperson for Maximus said: "Local engagement has taken place and any concerns have been addressed as part of the planning application process."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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