CLIENT

Miller Homes

SITE

67

PACKAGE

Full civil engineering

Imagine building in a quiet Lancashire village like Coppull, where development has been a rarity for decades.

For the children at Coppull Primary School, the sight of a digger or JCB was something they’d only ever seen on Postman Pat or Paw Patrol. The church congregation—whose building directly faces the site—hadn’t seen construction in the area since their own homes were built. Development wasn’t just uncommon; it had never even been a consideration.

That changed when Miller Homes brought a much-needed residential project to Coppull and appointed PAS NW Ltd as the Principal Contractor. From day one, it was clear this wouldn’t just be about delivering houses—it was about carefully managing the impact of construction in a tight-knit community.

The challenges were immediate and significant. The site could only be accessed via a single road that passes the village’s bustling primary school. The school operates across three separate locations: the main building, a nursery across the road without any pedestrian crossings, and a field that borders our construction footprint. Parents were already worried before the first spade touched the ground. Elderly churchgoers and young families also shared concerns about safety, noise, and disruption.

Our response was simple yet ambitious: listen, adapt, and deliver.

Building Bridges with the Community

We started with a comprehensive community engagement programme. Before any heavy machinery arrived, we knocked on doors, spoke to residents, and built relationships with key stakeholders, including the school, parents, church leaders, and local businesses. We held open forums to answer questions, address concerns, and explain how we intended to keep everyone safe while minimising disruption.

For the school, communication was key. We met regularly with the headteacher, staff, governors, and even pupils to understand their specific challenges. They wanted visibility and involvement, so we delivered. From providing hi-vis vests for all children crossing between sites to hosting interactive safety talks, we ensured the school was engaged and informed at every step.

Like any job in construction, there’s always a concern from residents. In this case, when concerns were raised to the council and our client, they were dealt with speedily and efficiently, ensuring transparency and maintaining trust throughout the project.

Safety First, Always

Given the complex school layout and constant foot traffic, safety became our top priority. We implemented robust traffic management plans, which were regularly reviewed and adapted based on feedback. A dedicated banksman was stationed all day, every day, to oversee deliveries and ensure the safety of pedestrians. Suppliers were given strict guidelines on material drop-offs to avoid peak school hours.

Going Above and Beyond

Our site team, led by Site Manager Jack Hayne and Senior Construction Manager Gary Hall, spent more time with stakeholders than on-site—a deliberate decision to foster trust and maintain harmony. We cleaned cars, washed driveways, and went the extra mile to ensure residents felt valued and respected.

The result? A seamless project delivery that avoided potential hazards, strengthened community relationships, and set a new benchmark for engagement in rural developments. This wasn’t just about building homes—it was about building trust, creating a legacy, and ensuring everyone felt part of the journey.

At PAS, we don’t just deliver infrastructure; we deliver it with care, collaboration, and commitment. Coppull, Church View on Darlington Street is a shining example of how community-focused construction can leave a lasting impact far beyond the structures we build.