THE vast Jehovah Witness UK headquarters under construction near Galleywood has been praised by a building watchdog.

Inspectors from the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) – an independent building watchdog – have commended the International Bible Students Association (IBSA) for its presentation and working methods on the Temple Farm site.

The glowing report came as IBSA announced groundworks to the £150 million development will begin between September and December.

Once complete, it will provide homes for 1,200 Jehovah Witnesses across 16 five-storey blocks.

A large printing plant, offices, auditorium, health and fitness centre, water treatment plant and on-site parking for 1,040 vehicles are also in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, Temple Grove Park, which lies to the east of the site, is being remodelled to accommodate a wildflower meadow for residents to relax in.

In its latest newsletter, IBSA said it will continue to work hard until the project is complete.

“The report included the following observations.

“This is a very well presented site.

“Working methods are planned to minimise the impact of vibration, noise and dust as far as possible.

“The organisation looked for opportunities for training of female operatives.

“Eleven of the 15 heavy plant operators are female,” it said.

CCS awarded the site a total of 38 out of 50, before granting it a Certificate of Performance Beyond Compliance.

BT Openreach and a number of other companies have started work on road access into the site.

Temporary 40mph speed restrictions are in place along the B1007 near the Bakers Lane junction, which should last another four weeks.

The restrictions are due to the preparation of a new roundabout, pedestrian crossing, cycle path and bus shelters, recently approved by Essex Highways.

Earlier this year, IBSA representatives attended Stock and West Hanningfield Annual General Meetings, where they answered a series of questions regarding the development.

A spokesman said: "Feedback received from these meetings is of value to us, enabling us to address any concerns raised by those in the community."