Local housebuilder Barratt Homes invited local Ashford MP Damian Green to its Chilmington Green development on Hedgers Way in Ashford, Kent, this week (Friday 4th September). The visit was an opportunity for Mr Green to see the development first-hand following the success of its most recent phase, and to view the latest health and safety measures put in place by Barratt Kent for its employees, sub-contractors and customers on site in response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
During the visit, Damian Green MP met with senior representatives from Barratt Kent to see the progress of the site, as well as to learn more about the health and safety measures put in place both within the construction site, and within the sales and marketing suite. He enjoyed a tour of the development, followed by a hard-hat walkthrough of the construction site.
Damian Green MP comments: “It was great to visit Chilmington Green and meet with the team, and to see all the hard work they’ve been doing to deliver homes safely during these difficult times by adopting high standards of health and safety protocols. It was encouraging to find out about the new health and safety measures that Barratt Kent have implemented to protect both workers and customers in the Ashford area.”
Paul Kitchingman, Managing Director for Barratt Kent, comments: “It was a pleasure to welcome MP Damian Green to Chilmington Green this week, and to share the progress of the development. It was also important to demonstrate how we are ensuring the health and safety of all those who come onto our sites.”
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Barratt Kent has implemented a detailed set of working practices and protocols developed in line with the latest guidance from Government, Public Health Authorities and the Construction Leadership Council. This includes changes to signage, site welfare facilities and compounds, site access and walkways. After rigorous assessment, Barratt has been certified by the British Safety Council for the quality of its Covid-19 policies.
The construction measures put in place by Barratt Homes include new site signage, new site welfare facilities, improved site access and walkways, plus enhanced risk assessments. A nominated Social Distancing Marshal is also now present on all Barratt Homes sites to ensure compliance, together with additional training and support for both employees and sub-contractors.
Equally, there are a range of safety measures and new working procedures for customers too. These include protective Perspex screens, retractable barriers, strict social distancing and, where necessary, personal protective equipment (PPE), plus intercom systems and door locks to enable customers to engage with sales teams before entering offices.
Paul Kitchingman adds: “Health and safety is our number one priority which is why we developed a range of measures during lockdown to keep people safe. We are very pleased that the British Safety Council has reviewed these measures and ruled that they are safe and effective, helping us to get back building the homes the country needs to support the economic recovery.”
Chilmington Green is surrounded by green open space and parkland carefully designed around protected woodlands. A new phase has recently been launched at the development, which will see a collection of two, three- and four-bedroom homes. Prices start from £364,995 for a three-bedroom home.
To find out more about Chilmington Green, visit either www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0333 3558 502.