NEIGHBOURS’ fears about noise has led to the city’s police station altering a planning application.
Worcester City Council has approved altered plans for the installation of air source heat pumps at the Police Station on Castle Street, Worcester.
The planning includes setting up air source heat pumps within a new external secured compound located in the police station’s existing car park.
The development aims to support the police station’s move towards low-carbon heating.
INSTALLATION: Worcester Police Station has been approved to implement air source heat pumps (Image: Newsquest)
Three neighbours objected to the plans, with concerns over the possible noise impact, particularly during the night, and the lack of detailed information on mitigation measures.
Andrew and Gerdi McCrea, wrote: “There seems to be no detailed information about the proposed equipment and its specification and performance, and there is little reference to acoustic screening except briefly in the application form.”
Another objector, Dr Susan Morris-King, stated: “I do not see, in any of the documentation, any evidence of the mitigations that will be put in place, nor an evaluation of their likely effectiveness.
“Moreover, the noise impact assessment report notes clearly that, if windows to the houses mentioned (mine being one of these) are open, then there will be an adverse noise effect.
“I am happy to receive full details of mitigations that will be put in place, including when, and evidence of their effectiveness, but until that happens, and unless I write again, please take this as my objection to this planning application.”
Mrs B Cox also objected, saying: “I would like to object to the proposed installation of air sourced heat pumps because I believe the noise level would be unacceptable.
“I would remove my objection if the plan were to include provision for sound reduction which would bring the noise below 60db (decibels).”
In response to these objections, Worcester City Council approved the planning application on the condition that detailed plans for acoustic screening are submitted and agreed before any installation takes place.
The council specified solid, imperforate fencing with full details of height, construction and surface density as one requirement.
ALTERED: Plans had to be altered after objections from neighbours (Image: Newsquest)
A spokesperson for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Worcester City Council has approved the planning application for heat pumps at Worcester Police Station, with a requirement for acoustic screening.
“Feedback from residents during the planning process led to this condition, and work will begin once the screening design is approved by the council.
“The project will see two inefficient fuel systems replaced, cutting carbon emissions by over 60 per cent, improving air quality and reducing energy costs so more money can be directed to the public’s policing priorities.”
