Derby Residents Express Distress Over 40-Week Driveway Access Restrictions

Residents residing on a street in Derby have expressed anger and concern after being informed that construction work will result in “limited access” to their driveways for a duration of 40 weeks. Individuals living on Radbourne Lane, Mackworth, received this information in a letter on Friday from a construction company. This firm is undertaking a development of 550 properties on land situated opposite existing homes on the lane. The correspondence indicated that the work, scheduled from Monday to Saturday, would mean “limited vehicle access to and from your drive at times.” Miller Homes East Midlands, the developers, affirmed that residents would at no point be unable to access their properties, and contractors intend to minimize this disruption. The letter was dispatched by contractors involved in the development to residents located between the junction with Ashbourne Road (A52) and the Water Tower, opposite Moorgate. Additionally, residents have been requested to reschedule any home deliveries and collections to occur between 08:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Friday, and between 08:00 and 13:00 on Saturdays. Sandra Reeves, 62, who has resided in Radbourne Lane for 33 years, voiced her displeasure regarding the prospect of restricted driveway access. She told the BBC, “I am so mad and it is so upsetting.” Reeves further stated, “I am disabled and really need my car to get me to places. It is unbelievable. It’s causing me bad anxiety – affecting my health.” Her son, Jake Parkin, 23, commented, “We have all grown up here – it will impact us not in a good way at all.” Another resident, Connor Foley, 33, remarked, “Reducing the parking down here, restricting people getting on the drive, it’s going to be absolute chaos.” He added, “They have obviously not thought it through – you are going to have residents not only on this street but on the street next us without parking.” Foley concluded, “I’ve sat at home for a week worrying about it.” Mr. Foley, who works as a civil engineer, questioned, “I just don’t know how it has got to this point that it’s acceptable to block everyone’s drives off, cause a huge disruption in the road for 40 weeks.” He further stated, “It’s a shame – myself and my neighbour are going to be looking at selling our houses as a result of this. That’s how serious it is for the residents.” Mark Potter, technical director for Miller Homes East Midlands, explained that highway improvement work is necessary and will benefit all residents in the vicinity. He stated, “While we will minimise interruptions during our specified working hours, some access to people’s properties will be affected by the nature of these essential works.” Potter reiterated, “However, at no time will any resident be unable to access their property.” He encouraged residents to make contact if they have any concerns.