26 January 2024 , 16:42
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Neighbours are upset about the noise coming from a sex toy factory.
Lovehoney in Bath, Somerset, has been forced to apply for retrospective planning permission for four heat pumps it installed at its warehouse. The company, which sells sex toys, lingerie, bondage kits, and condoms, was founded in Bath in 2002. It moved into a warehouse the following year, but has now annoyed neighbours by turning on the pumps at 4am every day.
Planning documents reveal that the noise is 16dc louder than background noise. A noise impact assessment carried out by acoustic consultant Chris Parker-Jones recommended housing the offending units in acoustic enclosures.
In his report, he said: "It is understood that some of the surrounding residential properties have complained to Bath and North East Somerset Council about the level of noise, who have subsequently required this NIA to be produced."
He stated that simply moving them, changing to a quieter alternative or installing a barrier or fence around them would not achieve the required level of reduction. He added: "The applicant should, therefore, look to rehouse the offending units within an acoustic enclosure/enclosures, and submit updated plans and a datasheet to the Local Planning Authority from the enclosure manufacturer which verifies that it can reduce noise emissions by a minimum of 16dB."
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Gary Box from Lovehoney explained they want to put in a new heating and cooling system to take the place of an old gas boiler and electric chiller. He said: "The units are standalone Government approved air source heat pump. This has been installed to reduce both our energy consumption and carbon footprint." And added, "This has also been done to make Lovehoney a more sustainable company. By doing this we have removed gas consumption not to use fossil fuels anymore." The local council will decide on this plan later on.
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