Bristol building plans 'could cost my husband his life'
The wife of a Bristol man who suffers form a chronic lung disease says plans to build new homes behind their Bristol bungalow would effectively hand him a death sentence.
Linda King, aged 61, whose husband Richard suffers from emphysema said she fears proposals to build the 22 houses could send him to an early grave.
After two bouts of pneumonia Mr King, 51, needs a constant supply of oxygen from tanks kept at his home in Ponting Close, next to Roegate House in Speedwell.
As well as fears for the noise, disruption and the effect on their view, Mrs King said the dust from building work could be enough to kill her husband.
She said: "We have to keep the house well ventilated because of the oxygen tanks, we usually have the windows and door open to keep the air fresh.
"Dust getting on his lungs will kill him. We've had a letter from the council to say dust would be kept to a minimum with damping down in the summer but they won't be able to stop everything.
"We feel like we're being shut in, there will be houses right at the end of our garden, we'll lose all the natural light but the main thing is Richard's health. I've been awake at 3am most nights worrying about it. Why should he be given a death sentence?"
The couple have lived in the council-owned bungalow, in a quiet residential close, for three years.
Their neighbours, a small community of 15, are mainly elderly. Mrs King said the application to build on the green space in the grounds of Roegate House in Whitefield Avenue, submitted by Sovereign Housing Group, has shocked and outraged the residents as well as those in nearby Speedwell Road.
The Kings say the original plan was for a 'garage strategy project' to redevelop run-down garages. They attended a public consultation last year but since then plans have developed into building houses as well as improvements to Roegate House which include landscaping, fencing and an access ramp.
Mrs King has been collecting signatures opposing the scheme and has 147 people on a list which she will submit to a planning committee. She said: "Since we've moved here Richard's health has been so much better, but if the building work is approved it'll be hell here. We're the lost little 12 bungalows, but we aren't moving and we'll fight all the way. We've got people of all ages and businesses nearby who are appalled at the plans."
Mr King, a former painter and decorator, has been ill for the past six years.
He said: "They're swallowing up every piece of green land there is, we can't keep the windows and doors shut but we can't let the dust in either. The building will take at least two years it'll be a nightmare."
The Kings said they have been told by a solicitor they have a strong case but do not qualify for legal aid. They are hoping that the strength of public opposition will help to stop the work. A date for the application to go to a committee meeting has not yet been set.
Sovereign Housing Group spokesman Chris Irons said: "We're aware from previous consultations between ourselves, the council and local residents that there is a resident within Ponting Close who suffers from a particular health condition.
"We are therefore aware of the need to minimise dust from the redevelopment, and should we obtain planning consent then we will be working closely with our partner contractor and local residents to resolve this.
"The construction industry acknowledges that many of its operations create dust and, where necessary, methods of dust prevention and suppression will be agreed with the appropriate authorities in advance of works commencing."
15 Comments
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by Adam Foster-Fahy, Bristol, UK
Monday, July 13 2009, 8:42PM
“So move.”
by Anon, Bristol
Monday, July 13 2009, 4:34PM
“I Have known Richard for many years. His illness WAS caused through smoking and he can still be seen on a regular basis stood outside the weatherspoons pub in staple hill, oxygen in one hand and fag in the other. So people come to your own conclusion”
by chimney smoker, smokers corner
Monday, July 13 2009, 1:54PM
“oh my days what is wrong with you people even if he did smoke doesnt mean he deserves to have this illness!!!
have you ever had an acholic drink?? if the answers yes then maybe it would only be fair if you were cast down with liver failure eh????
grow the hell up!!
and as for keeping all windows open because they have oxygen tanks thats aload of old cobler, as long as they are not left near radiators, fires etc then they are perfectly safe!!!
anyway happy muppet day everybody, im off to smoke my 40 bensons and have a few lager shandies :)”
by Lisa, Bristol
Monday, July 13 2009, 1:14PM
“Anon - Bristyl, you are assuming his illness was caused by smoking, if that is the case then surely over the years he has put plenty of money into the pot through taxes. Don't forget people of his age were not aware of the dangers of smoking as we are today. Do you know if he smokes? Do you know if he gave up years ago when he realized the health implications to him and people around him? Do you know anything about him? I don't know this chap and I would not assume anything. Maybe you should do the same. Why don't you just make a comment without being so ignorant and nasty!!”
by Darren, Filton
Monday, July 13 2009, 1:11PM
“Typical of the non-smoker nimby's to jump to conclusions about the cause of his lung problems.
He may well have smoked and that may well have contributed... but read the article again morons!! He developed Emphysema after two bouts of Pneumonia. Just one bout could easily be fatal and at the very least will damage the lining of your lungs.
Judgmental idiots!”
by Bert, Redland
Monday, July 13 2009, 1:06PM
“Yes 'I' Bats are a European Protected Species and are rightly heavily protected, it is nice you have brought that up but your argument doesn't really amount to much does it?
When a development is on the cards that could disturb a protected species then 'Overriding Public Interest' takes priority, just as it would in a situation where it was bats welfare versus human welfare.
Why bring bats in to it, who mentioned bats????”
by Steve, Bristol
Monday, July 13 2009, 1:05PM
“Yarrr... the majority of emphysema cases are caused by smoking. next up in line is toxic substances e.g Miners/old builders who were prone to coal dust/asbestos.
if he were a builder he'd prob be more likely to understand the buildings works going on and not complain, hence its gotta be smoking! he don't look like no coal miner! coal miners are toughened by yrs in the mines and likely not to complain either. Arrrr Luvvin the stereotyping!”
by anon, bristyl
Monday, July 13 2009, 12:43PM
“this illness is normally caused by smoking. . .
was mr king worried about other peoples lungs whilst puffing away on his fags?
there is a housing shortage all over the country if houses need to be built then so be it, we all have to deal with things in life that we dont want to, its part of being an adult!! and in my book called tuff luck”
by Jeff, Bristol
Monday, July 13 2009, 12:25PM
“Of course they are entitled to make objections on whatever grounds they feel they have. I just find it interesting that the article is written with a rather "us against the evil corporations" slant, and I think that the BEP not reporting the full facts regarding Mr King's illness (i.e. if it was self-infllicted) would do some damage to the tone of it...”
by JoJo, Bristol
Monday, July 13 2009, 12:23PM
“Could the council move them somewhere else? If he has this illness surely they could get a new council place on those grounds?
Life isnt fair sometimes, I agree with Jeff and with I. But this is England and were not like some communist countries, so whether illness is self inflicted or just sheer bad luck, everyone is entitled to help (I don't always agree though and shouldnt people be given a chance?)”