Row erupts between residents and local school over 'very noisy' eco heat pumps

16 November 2023 , 22:47

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The Reepham High School headteacher insists they are remaining compliant (Image: Eastern Daily Press / SWNS)

A row has erupted between a secondary school and the residents that live near it - over the school’s “very noisy” eco heat pumps.

Norfolk locals residing near Reepham High School in Reepham are arguing the heat pumps are a “24-hour noise nuisance” and that they are unable to open their windows without a disturbance. The electrically-powered pumps are used to heat classrooms in the school.

The heat pumps function by absorbing heat from the air and can be powered by renewable resources rather than fossil fuels. They are also believed to be more efficient than standard gas boilers.

But Mark Bridges, a resident living near the school, described them as “very noisy”, describing them as a “24-hour” nuisance. He blames the Broadland District Council rather than the school - as they allowed the pumps to be installed in the first place.

Planning permission was only sought after the pumps were actually installed last year, with locals claiming they were promised the pumps would be switched off on bank holidays and during school holidays. After the pumps were allegedly left running, the locals decided to get in touch with the MP for Broadland, Jerome Mayhew, to resolve the problem.

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These air source eco heat pumps are more efficient and environmentally friendly than gas heaters (Eastern Daily Press / SWNS)

Mayhew said: “Whilst I welcome the school’s efforts to reduce the carbon impact of their heating system, this needs to be done in a way that is considerate to their neighbours and compliant with the planning system. I will continue to help local residents to make sure their concerns are properly considered."

Head teacher Tim Gibbs says the school “remains compliant” with the installation of the heat pumps - despite saying he is “sympathetic” to the complaints. "While I am sympathetic to the complaints raised by our neighbours,” he said, “we have responded to all of their concerns and remain compliant in everything we have done with the installation of the air source heat pumps."

The council says it has investigated the complaints and that it is “working with all parties” to be able to “move forwards” with the matter. “Noise testing of the pumps has been carried out and concerns and complaints have been investigated by the council’s Planning Enforcement Team,” they added.

“The proposals which provide an alternative source of renewable energy to the school will reduce the reliance on centralised, non-renewable energy sources and make a positive contribution towards achieving green energy targets, tackling the challenges of climate change and reducing the reliance on finite energy sources."

Alex Croft