Coronavirus: Shropshire construction sites to have phased reopening

Barratt Developments, parent company of David Wilson Homes, has started the process and said its Mercia sites across the region, including developments in Telford, will be the first to welcome back builders.

Plots of land already sold and those at an advanced stage of construction are being prioritised.

In line with the lockdown retail regulations, the company is not reopening its sales centres or show homes yet, but will continue to deal with customers remotely.

A detailed set of working practices and protocols has been developed by David Wilson Homes so that its construction sites can operate safely and in line with the latest guidance from the government, public health authorities and the Construction Leadership Council. This includes changes to signage, site welfare facilities and compounds, site access and walkways. These measures have already successfully been implemented on one of its sites as a pilot. A nominated social distancing marshal will also be present on all sites to ensure compliance and the company will provide induction, training and support for its employees and sub-contractors.

Dominic Harman, managing director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “Our first priority is the health and safety of our employees, sub-contractors and customers. We have created a detailed set of working practices and protocols for employees and sub-contractors to ensure that we can reopen our construction sites safely, in a phased and measured way, which minimises risk. In line with our commitment to put our customers first, we will be prioritising the completion of those homes that our customers have already exchanged or reserved.

“I would also like to thank our employees who have been fantastic during this challenging time, both those who have worked hard to get us ready to restart and our employees who are not currently working.

Mr Harman added: “As a business committed to doing the right thing, we have been supporting the NHS and our communities throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. We have donated PPE to local NHS services and defibrillators to St John’s Ambulance from our sites across the region and are working with charities and organisations to help local communities. We are also encouraging staff to volunteer and use their time to do whatever they can to help people during this difficult period.”