Noise complaints at a Wiltshire factory are being investigated amidst plans for its expansion.
Many residents living near the Ball Aerocan site on Folly Road in Devizes, which backs onto London Road, have been campaigning for a reduction in noise pollution for some time.
The firm, which is part of the Ball Corporation, has previously said it is implementing noise mitigation measures, but some people claim they can hear a “constant droning sound” as far away as Roundway.
A part retrospective planning application to install a new plant was submitted in April and Wiltshire Council says it is looking into multiple noise complaints before it makes a decision on this development.
The council’s public protection team will be reviewing the impact of those living in the area as part of this process.
READ MORE: 'Constant droning' sound from Wiltshire factory driving neighbours mad
Cllr Nick Botterill, cabinet member for development management, said: “We have received a number of noise complaints from residents related to the expansion of the Ball Aerocan site.
“A planning application has also been submitted by the landowner, which will be determined in due course.
“Noise is a relevant matter the council considers when determining planning applications.
“Our public protection team will be reviewing the application to assess the impacts on residents and providing advice to the local planning authority to consider alongside other matters.
“The council is currently considering the planning application in relation to this site and members of the public can comment on the application via our website using the following link Planning Application: PL/2024/03611 (wiltshire.gov.uk).”
In August, it was reported that some residents had responded angrily to the expansion of the site, with some joining together to form The Devizes Pollution Action Group.
Among them was James Beale who said: “The noise has to be stopped, it’s constant and it’s driving us all mental.
“I walk the dog up the hill behind Roundway village to the background of the noise, I take my daughter to Six Penny nursery across the field near the white horse, constant drone.
“I try to relax in my garden after work, drone 24/7. How can this be stopped? What was once a quiet peaceful area is being ruined.”
In its application, Ball says it has embedded “noise attenuation measures” into its proposals, including a four-metre acoustic barrier on the site’s barrier.
At the time, Ball was contacted for further comment but did not respond.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel