Further landslides at Lock's Hill, concerns raised over road

A further number of landslides have occurred at the Lock's Hill site in Kingsbridge, leading people to worry for the nearby road and the safety of workers on the site. 

A couple more landslides have occurred on the site since the first on Wednesday, with members of the local Facebook page Save Lock's Hill raising concerns over the road to High House, the Kingsbridge rugby clubhouse, and the safety of the workers on site. 

One was caught on video that was sent to us anonymously: 

The road to High House is narrow and steep and in the rugby season, which begins in the near future, the volume of traffic travelling up and down is massive. 

The founder of the Save Lock's Hill Facebook page, and one of the loudest voices in opposition to the development, Dan Stathers, commented on the landslides, speaking directly to workers on the site.

He said: "To the Lock's Hill workers. Regardless of our views about the Garden Mill scheme, we're genuinely concerned about your welfare.

"The site looks dangerous and yesterday's spill proves that the sheer drop is not stable. Don't take the risk, watch each other's backs, and keep your lids on."

Kingsbridge Rugby Football Club has also begun to worry about the road. KRFC Secretary, Martin Newman, said: "I've been in touch with the Town Council and County Councillor Julian Brazil, voicing our serious concerns about the integrity and stability of the road. The further landslide yesterday has come very close to the hedge.

"It's only four weeks until the start of our new season and that road is the only access to the club. I really don't think that the developers are taking it seriously."

John Freeland, Blakesley Estates, said: "We are working with our Geotechnical consultants and the HSE to find a solution. The consultants have advised us that the hot weather is causing similar issues on other sites as the soil dries out and becomes loose.

"Our Geotechnical Consultants previously specified a permanent mesh and rock anchoring solution to the slope stabilisation on the site."

Kingsbridge Town Council has also become more concerned about the situation at Lock's Hill, tweeting South Hams District Council over the weekend: 

Very worrying reports from residents about more landslides happening tonight on the Locks Hill building site. There’s a nursing home at the bottom of the site. @H_S_E @SouthHams_DC

— Kingsbridge Town Council (@KingsbridgeTown) August 6, 2022

A spokesperson for South Hams District Council, said earlier in the week: “Council officials visited the site yesterday following the landslide. We have referred the matter to the Health and Safety Executive who are the enforcing authority for workplace safety on construction sites. Other relevant statutory agencies have also been informed of the situation.”

A spokesperson for Kingsbridge Town Council said: "Kingsbridge Town Council was informed of the recent landslip at the Lock's Hill development site off Derby Road and acknowledges the concerns of local residents given the close proximity of the access route to the Rugby Club.

"It is understood that Devon County Council, South Hams District Council and Devon Building Control are aware of this matter and an update has been requested."

Devon County Councillor Cllr Julian Brazil said: "People are rightly concerned about the stability of the road to the rugby ground. Both highways and building control are aware of the situation. They will be monitoring the situation."