Home Farm

Work is taking place on the home farm site. It was a bit sooner than we were expecting and no one told us. It was reported (ta to Cranfield's most senior white van man) that low loaders turned up in Court Road just as the school rush was getting under way. Lots of concerns therefore.

I contacted Persimmon and received this very prompt reply:

The works that have started are part of the archaeological investigation and I must admit I was not aware they were due to start today. I have liaised with my colleagues as to what the programme and intentions are at it seems the works will be initially concentrating on AAS1 shown on the attached plan that will take approximately 10 weeks. This is not a start on site but merely something we have to do to satisfy the planning permission. It is no different to us carrying out a ground investigation report.

We do not own the charity site yet so can’t use this entrance at the moment, although as I promised and put into the Code of Construction this will be our preferred option at the start of the main construction works on the site.

I understand that the low loader Is to deliver the necessary equipment and once delivered will be contained within the site area with little need for any other deliveries of large equipment until the works are complete, at which point they will be removed from site using the same methods. The machines will only be working briefly to remove the initial topsoil, after which the investigation works will be hand dug to ensure any potential remains are not disturbed.

I would hope that people will not view this negatively, as the works for the archaeological investigation will be confined to the site and will not impact the local people to any degree. The plan attached illustrates the area that they will be working in and the access arrangements. It is no different than if a farmer was using the land and had delivered a large piece of machinery to the site? I am sure the contractors that delivered the equipment used a duty of care to do this safely and with as much disruption as possible? It is unfortunate that this fell on school times, however I’m sure it was not intentional and had a minimal impact on the school users.

I stress again this is not Persimmon starting the site works on any level that will impact on Cranfield and that any negative public reaction will be vastly over exaggerated and would rather concern and disappoint me. As always though if there are any problems or concerns then please contact me to discuss.

I will ensure going forward that any works that are due to be commenced are notified to the Parish before they commence so that we can discuss before hand. If you need to contact the Project Manager who is looking after these works for more information, their details are as follows:

Duncan Hawkins

Director

Direct Dial: 020 7832 1481

Email Address: duncan.hawkins@cgms.co.uk

Mobile: 07740 171834

I hope this alleviates your concerns.

Kind regards

Martin Wright