Photo © Conrad Chua

Many of us in the local community are appalled by the blank wall of indifference which the ODA consistently puts up when outsiders wish to ask about what lies behind their barrage of PR hype about the project. The only occasions when they are put under pressure to answer awkward questions is when their apparatchiks are called before Parliamentary Select Committees.

Construction firms understand the local PR benefit of providing viewing openings in the hoardings surrounding their sites to satisfy the natural curiosity of passers-by. But the blank facade of the blue wall vividly embodies the Stalinist PR style of their 'Strength Through Joy' project.

We have assembled extracts from their version of the rather limp voluntary 'Considerate Constructors Scheme' to offer some insight into how they have constructed this part of their game plan.

Martin Slavin

2.6.3 The ODA will set up and co-ordinate a series of regular communication meetings with the major stakeholders and local communities. The ODA will ensure that all stakeholders will be kept informed of progress on the project throughout the lifecycle of the development. All matters related to construction activities will follow a similar communications protocol and for this purpose a designated project manager will be appointed to liaise with the local communities and/or members of the public.

2.6.4 The ODA will establish a system for dealing with enquiries or complaints from the public and from officers of local authorities or statutory bodies. The system will include a telephone staffed 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

2.7 Considerate Constructors Scheme

2.7.1 In addition to the arrangements under this CoCP the contractor will be required to register with the “Considerate Constructors Scheme” which is a voluntary code of practice that seeks to:
• Minimise any disturbance or negative impact (in terms of noise, dirt and inconvenience) sometimes caused by construction sites to the immediate neighbourhood;
• Eradicate offensive behaviour and language from construction sites; and
• Recognise and reward the constructor’s commitment to raise standards of site management, safety and environmental awareness beyond statutory duties.
• The scheme requires constructors to adhere to the Code of Practice.

3.3.3 Sites will be enclosed, where practicable. The standard of enclosure and screening at a particular site will be selected in order to maintain effective site security and achieve appropriate noise attenuation and visual effect. In some areas screening may be painted and may include viewing points and relevant project information. Enclosures and screening will be maintained in reasonable condition and monitored for fly posting.

From the ODA Code of Construction Practice (CoCP)

See the CoCP: Vol 8 Environmental Statement Annexure

The Considerate Constructors Scheme poster is to be displayed where clearly visible to the general public. A site’s contact details should be obvious to anyone affected by its activities.

Source: Sustainable Construction Group

Examples of good practice
The site provided excellent viewing facilities for people of all heights, with a brief description of what could be seen. One of the site operatives checked these every day to make sure the view and description were appropriate.

Source: Considerate Constructors Scheme

To complain about a site registered with the Scheme email us here:
complaints@ccscheme.org.uk

Considerate Constructors Scheme
PO Box 75
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 0YX
Telephone: 01920 485959
Fax: 01920 485958
Free phone: 0800 7831423
CCScheme Website
enquiries@ccscheme.org.uk