WORK on a major housing development in Malvern has been the subject of several complaints from residents who are fed up with the noise and dust.

Several residents have said the noise from the work at the former QinetiQ site in St Andrew’s Road, along with the large amounts of dust being created, mean they cannot open their windows during the day.

Chase ward district councillor Samantha Charles said a number of residents had raised the issue with her, adding: “The constant noise and dust is especially distressing for people who are isolating or medically shielding at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the very hot weather they’ve had to keep their windows and doors shut which has made it even more difficult.

“I’ve reported their concerns to enforcement officers at Malvern Hills District Council and Worcestershire Regulatory Services, so that noise and dust levels can be monitored.

“The residents know the demolition and building work has to be carried out, but I hope there can be some way to limit the continuous impact on them.”

The work is being done to build more than 300 houses on the former QinetiQ site and was approved last year.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “The work being carried out on the Malvern Qinetiq south site continues to be a nightmare for local residents.

“The mayhem and noise from heavy machinery demolishing buildings, smashing concrete and constant tipping occurs daily from 8am to 6pm, Monday through Friday.

“The dust this creates settles on vehicles and properties including washing hanging out to dry for up to several hundred yards from the site.

“This work has been going on for months without consideration and seemingly with no end in sight.”

A spokesman for the developer, Persimmon Homes South Midlands, said: “We are not the principal contractor for this site and a sub-contractor has been appointed to carry out the demolition work on QinetiQ. However, we will certainly pass on people’s concerns.

“The demolition work involved is quite extensive and we believe it may continue until the autumn.

“We are committed to developing the site in a sensitive way that will enhance the local community and believe it will have an immensely positive impact on the area. We will bring 310 new homes to Malvern, where a new community can flourish which in turn will support jobs and the local economy. The properties will include two, three and four-bedroom homes.

“Twenty per cent of the properties will be allocated as affordable homes. The scheme will also include cycle ways, public open space and play areas and landscaping."

The site borders the nearby Chase School, in addition to houses along Court Road and the Malvern College playing field.

The site sits on the boundary of Malvern’s Conservation Area, and there are a number of listed buildings in the vicinity.

County councillor Lucy Hodgson, who represents the area, said she had not received any complaints herself from residents, but would take the matter up with the relevant council officers.

When the site was in the planning phase, residents sent a long document to the district council laying out their concerns over the suitability of the site. A letter from Malvern Link residents said: “Apart from traffic issues, our views of the Hills may be compromised as well as noise as the houses are close to the boundary."