Air Source Heat Pumps - Noise nuisance for neighbours

muckybutt

Our ex ashp made a hellof a noise apparently ! we couldnt hear it at all, however the neighbour contacted environmental health at our local council and the maker of the unit.

First thing we know about it is a knock on the door - weve come to measure up ? nice of the neighbour to come and see us forst but hey ho. Anyhow the council were going to serve notice on us to get an accoustic hood fitted to it to make it quieter, but the excessive bills we were getting whilst using the blinking thing made us get rid of the thing. Worst thing weve ever had done was having that thing fitted - just glad we didnt pay for it.

As for noise from boilers - sthcstrgi I can certainly hear both the neighbours oil fired boilers when they are on.

Not_Sleeping_Too_Well

Does anyone have experience as to how to persuade the environmental health office to persue a cease action? I worry that we only have one shot at stopping our neighbour's ASHP and we want to make sure it works.
We now have a form from the environmental health to record the noise as we hear it, but we aren't always here etc.

Not_Sleeping_Too_Well

Has anyone successfully been involved with local Planning actioning a successful opposition to retrospective planning application on a ASHP?

It looks like our neighbour is cynically using the system to overcome planning constraints.

Cardew

Contact your local councillor for assistance.

Not_Sleeping_Too_Well

Good idea. Amazingly I hadn't thought of that !

nesssie1702

The reason you were given the form to fill in is so Env Health have some proof before they can issue an abatement notice under S.80 of the v Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Fill in the log sheets and return them. Do some research on statutory nuisance and noise.

Jodal101

I am in the same position as you with a noisy pump about 2 metres from my bungalow. I can hear the noise all the time, all over the house but when the fan comes on it is even louder. Have complained to Environmental Health and filled in the log sheets. Neighbours with the fan refuse to acknowledge any problem. Man from the Council coming tomorrow. I hope he can do something as I can't get any sleep.
I googled the problem and found some interesting information in Australia where councils take the matter more seriously.

Silent_Dancer

Its worth checking if the heat pump complies with the planning laws. See here for England.
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/heatpumps/

Not_Sleeping_Too_Well

How did it go Jodal - did the EHO turn up and what did they conclude?

I'm having real problems pinning my EHO down - they are dribbling on about how they've never come across this before and have to research the problem - they've now had the complaint 2 months and still no visit.

Hardworking

Hi. I know this post was a while ago. How did u get on. I am having the same problem I live next door to an office block who installed 12 heat source air/chiller units onto there roof at the side of our property. Since the insulation we here a low frequent hum in our property which keeps us awake all night. We have contacted the Environmental Health and they have no knowledge of the noise impact of these machines and say the noise is coming from elsewhere. Even though the rooms closest to the units are the worst. They have met with the owners of the building and have taken there side so without the support of them what do we do. These are ruining our life, health and home and we are now under our GP. Does anyone have any advice.