We live next to a sex toy factory and are taking action because of horrible noises
SMOKING residents living next to a sex toy factory are taking action after complaining of horrible noises at 4am.
Lovehoney in Bath has been forced to apply for retrospective planning permission for four heat pumps it has installed in its warehouse.
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The company, which specializes in sex toys, lingerie, bondage kits and condoms, was founded in Bath in 2002.
It grew quickly and moved to a warehouse the following year.
But disgruntled locals are now angry for turning on the pumps at 4am every day.
Planning documents show they were measured at 16 decibels louder than background noise.
A noise impact assessment, carried out by acoustic consultant Chris Parker-Jones, has now found that the offending units should be housed in acoustic enclosures.
In his report he added: “It is understood that some of the surrounding properties have complained about the noise levels to Bath and North East Somerset Council, who have subsequently demanded this NIA be produced.”
He said the required level of reduction cannot be achieved by simply moving them, switching to a quieter alternative or putting a barrier or fence around them.
He added: “The applicant should therefore seek to rehouse the offending units within an acoustic fence(s), and submit updated plans and a data sheet to the local planning authority of the fence manufacturer, which verifies that it will minimize noise emissions can reduce. of 16 dB.”
Gary Box from Lovehoney said the application was to install a heating and cooling system replacing a temporary gas boiler and electric chiller.
He wrote: “The units are self-contained, government-approved air source heat pumps.
“This has been installed to reduce both our energy consumption and our carbon footprint.
“This has also been done to make Lovehoney a more sustainable company.
“By doing this we have eliminated gas consumption to no longer use fossil fuels.”
A decision on the application will be made by Bath and North East Somerset Council at a later date.
LoveHoney and Bath and North East Somerset Council have been contacted for comment.
Six ways to deal with noisy neighbors
About 1,000 cases of noisy neighbors were forwarded to municipalities across the country every day.
Mary Rouse, property dispute lawyer at wrighthassall.co.uk, shares her advice on dealing with noisy neighbours.
1) Stay calm. It is important to approach the situation in a reasonable manner. Explain to your neighbors how their noise affects you, as they may not realize it.
2) Practice what you preach. If you regularly complain to them, it is important that they cannot make similar arguments against you in response. Keep noise levels in your own household to a minimum.
3) Save recordings. If your neighbors don't listen to your concerns, document the times when they are disruptive. This is important if you need to make a complaint to your local authority.
4) Consider sound insulation. Simple soundproofing can often make a bad situation a little more bearable. From using rugs, carpets and upholstery to absorb sound to installing specialist tiles in ceilings and partitions, there are many affordable options available.
5) Don't take revenge. Never let frustration get the better of you. Sometimes it feels like the only way to solve the problem is to retaliate and play loud music or be disruptive in some other way. But this will only escalate the problem and will work against you later.
6) Seek legal help. If you cannot resolve the situation yourself, first file a complaint with your municipality. If this does not help, seek legal help.