Forum for residents of St Georges Park and Long Leys Road Lincoln

[M.A.T]

Hi All,

I am new to the area and relatively new to St George's (Nov 10).
Whilst living here we have had 3 weeks and of course bank holidays/ public holidays free of building.

I have just been sat working and have seen my photoframes hung on the walls vibrating and heard my wall art rattling. I went down stairs and felt vibrations as I walked. I have to say this is not a first it has happened many times. (in the past my cup on the window sill has been shaken)
I worry about the level of movement that are in the walls, windows and doors from the existing properties for the sake of this new one.

I have also been pleasantly surprised by builders going by looking into my house whilst Ive been washing up or in my garden. Since december I have only hung out washing at the weekends after saturday work of course and lived in darkness to the rear of the property due to having regular passes by and traffic chugging along my back fence.

I do understand that there has to be cetain levels of distruption when (the lovely people that decided to build a big horse shoe style hospital in our back gardens) is being built. However, I do hate it when I can't go out in the garden to hang the washing nor sit out or in the daytime when not at work due to the rumblings and nosey builders out there! And of course the many mini tremmors my house is putting up with!

Rant over!
Any one else having these disturbances?

[deb]

I am sure you won't be alone but the building is ahead of schedule (official finish time was December but now likely to be earlier) so heavy works will be finished shortly and the interior will then be worked on. If you feel that the builders are behaving inappropriately then please go to reception and complain. If you would rather do it anonymously then feel free to PM me and I will pass it on for you.

[mac]

There have been awful vibrations in the floor and things also moving in cabinets,awful scraping noises from the machinary scraping along the ground. Will be glad to get peace finally.

[M.A.T]

yes we will too. Are you on a street/road/close bordering the hospital?

[mac]

Unfortunately yes

[M.A.T]

So are we. I remember seeing the plans and thinking ok so its 14 metres from the fence and its sunk down a couple of metres which helps as it was already plans agreed etc when we moved in. Now its here it is stretching right across the whole area and is only really about 5 metres away! From what you can see so far I don't think that it is in keeping with the properties around it and its quite frankly an invasion isn't it.

[mac]

No it is not in keeping with the houses, it hasn't been . The first landscape plans were changed- re the path and seating areas. I really feel extremely sorry for the ones who live in Albion crescent as it is ground level there and not sunk in. Not enough people had put objections/ thoughts about it in.
You have opened the blinds even upstairs and the men have been there able to look straight in- the same level and higher...-so intrusive.

[mac]

M.A.T
Have you been up the top of higginson's steps and seen it from there?

[deb]

okaaay, this is now rather interesting. The people on Albion also think it has been built closer to the fencing than it should have been. Can you confirm the date on the plans you are looking at and whether they are an 'impression' or actual plans and whether there are distance arrows or an estimate of space. I think this needs checking once and for all for everyone's info via the building inspectors or whoever oversees and see that all is OK. Also have you snuck over and measured or is it your own estimate. Anything that you can tell me that would be helpful to approach them with so that I can ease your mind or see what steps can be taken to otherwise improve your outlook if it has been compromised.
There are three really badly affected houses on Albion. Because of the curve most of the houses (and there is a public footpath between) are a reasonable distance from the boundary though obviously it is not the same outlook as they have been used to but that, sadly, can never be guaranteed. They are meeting with landscapers to almost choose their boundary planting. I am only sorry you have raised this so far into the project. As mac said, people didn't object. But, if you have the plans are you happy with the boundary treatments you can see? You had two letters about this so it is unlikely that anything will change now and M.A.C. it is possible that these went to the previous owner as I cannot remember the dates now.
The whole plans and landscaping were changed because of residents' input. Originally the building was much further away and the car parks were at the boundary fences but there were objections that this could be noisy, any lighting could be disturbing and there was the suggestion that at night when empty, youths could career around - turn around was preferred.
The quarterly meetings I have with them were changed to evenings to encourage residents but no one came.
The hospital has listened and changed but not enough people really got involved

[mac]

Debs
A couple of trees have been added in the landscape plans only- there was supposed to have been also another fence originally as well-which is not going to happen, Presently we can see right in to the building through the windows, and still expect to from upstairs when the trees go in.
Have you not got copies of the different plans debs. I think there have been at least three in all re the building and a couple of others re landscaping.The plans which were passed are at the planning department.In fact the landscaping was originally passed with out a number of people being contacted by letter re the landscape application and had to be resent out to residents. If you need to see our copies let me know.

[deb]

Yes that's right re. landscaping. I think 4 properties were missed first time round which gave most people two chances for a say. I have seen the plans, they are available at all the meetings. My concern is the distances M.A.T. referred to. Are they wrong. Has the building been built too close or because it's so up close and personal does it just feels as if it is. The double fencing was not a goer because people felt folk could hide between the layers.
The privacy issue is a valid one for both parties but it is also an issue for estate living. For example, I live at the top of Manrico but can see into everyone's garden from upstairs and at the 4 foot end of the fence don't even need to be upstairs! At night with lights on it's even easier; I can see the kids on Mercer at their computer!! I suppose what I'm saying is we need a balance of what is acceptable and what is, on an estate, the norm. It's viewing the hospital and its residents like another house, albeit a very large one!!
BUT, if you want help, if you want me to ask questions, then please let me know. The next meeting is September but it doesn't have to wait until then.

[mac]

There was supposed to have been over hangs covering the top of the windows but that appears to not be happening, which had been discussed at meetings with the nhs. I know the letters were not sent out originally re landscaping passed no 30 Mercer Drive, which invoved at least 14 -15 houses, that is why it was re sent out by planning.The nhs mentioned as well that they would be using / do use ,special glass/covering on glass which stops people from looking in (one way)- not normal house window glass for privacy, so maybe you can check up on that as we can see the people working inside the hospital.To us the building seemed nearer than stated, but we have been told that plans aren't drawn to size? - we thought the 2 storey was too far over than in plans. As you say Debs this needs to be checked out now before it gets all signed off.

[deb]

I'll copy all these issues and get them looked at.
I won't be back with an answer tomorow though!!

Thanks

[M.A.T]

Hi, yes my figures were an estimate and as you say it isnt a correct figure. This may be due to the size of the building. If only I moved here a few months before.... everything I hear I go to the neighbours and let them know also, I think it is a bit of too little and now too late for the most people on this stretch. People dont like it being there but its here to stay now isnt it. When the issues are resolved (fencing and landscaping) and it is done I dont think it will be as daunting as we first thought.

[mac]

M.A.T.
alot depends if it is evergreen or deciduous trees, re landscaping