Building on its firm foundations as a considerate constructor – leading UK residential developer Taylor Wimpey
As one of the UK’s largest residential developers, Taylor Wimpey prides itself on being a responsible developer whose work leaves a lasting legacy and ensures sustainable living for future generations.
Its Monterey Park development in Bovey Tracey, Devon, is a collection of three, four and five-bedroom homes nestling amongst beautiful countryside, close to three acres of woodland.
This posed a challenge in respect of the environment as the Site Manager needed to plan ahead and consider the impact of the housing development on the local environment and this was protected as much as possible, leaving behind a positive lasting legacy.
The new construction of homes to provide 10 housing association properties, along with 6 private built homes, was located off a busy main road leading from the A38 into the village of Bovey Tracey.
Careful consideration was also needed for the nearby holiday camp sites in the local area and the development was surrounded by new neighbours moving into the completed homes, as well as several neighbouring shops and businesses.
Here are some examples of best practice initiatives carried out by Taylor Wimpey:
- Transparent hoardings allowed a good view of construction activity.
- Informative signage was clearly displayed on the hoardings for passers-by.
- Operatives wore plain or company branded work-wear and their appearance was regularly monitored by the Site Manager. PPE was removed if using public facilities and breaks taken out of public view.
- A weekly toolbox talk was held for housekeeping and to ensure operatives were always aware of cleaning and maintenance.
- The Site Manager sent letter drops and made personal visits to those most affected by the site activities, as well as communicating with new residents.
- Regular meetings were held and the Site Manager also attended residents’ meetings to liaise with the new community, providing advice on how to contact the site in case of any comments or complaints.
- Site parking was provided, with designated parking provided to visitors and those with disabilities. ‘No parking’ zones were created for new residents to ensure that they were not effected.
- The Site Manager advised local businesses of site activity and duration of works, offering assistance as required.
- Privacy and outlook was a high priority as the site overlooks neighbours homes. No radios were permitted on site, no unauthorised use of cameras and a phone policy was also in place.
- Vehicle sharing was encouraged and CO2 site footprint measured.
- All subcontractors’ travel movements were also recorded and monitored to ensure minimised fuel use.
- Energy consumption was measured and reduced and eco-cabins introduced on site with energy saving fittings included.
- A specific safety behaviour awareness toolbox talk, ‘Don’t Walk By’ was given and a safety culture firmly in place which included a suggestion scheme and near miss reporting. Daily team briefings were also held before work commenced.
- Site vehicles used sounders when moving on and around site and speed limits were clearly enforced.
- Toolbox talks were conducted into behaviour on site and meetings held with operatives to discuss behaviour roles and culture change within the industry.
- Whistle blowing and no-blame learning in place, with posters displayed to provide potential health risk information.
- The company provided the supply chain with any required training.
- Medical conditions were recorded and details made available in the event of an emergency.
- Work experience opportunities were provided for unemployed local people and a company graduate was working on site.
Recently published
-
CRASH and VolkerFitzpatrick provide transformational help for London homelessness charity
CRASH Charity introduces construction companies to charitable projects to create lasting social
-
A road of discoveries
The A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme is a £1.5 billion roadworks project including a
-
How Project Partners are Helping to Create New Homes from Shipping Containers
When Project Partners were asked by Truro-based ISO Spaces to fit out shipping containers they
-
Wates team receives education in cancer awareness
In the construction industry, approximately 3,700 cancer cases arise as a result of exposure to
-
L&Q’s commitment to education is a lesson for the industry
As a regulated charitable housing association, London and Quadrant’s (L&Q) culture is deeply
