Ruthin home improvement firm given go-ahead to use “noise generating machinery”

A home improvement firm has been given the go-ahead to make noise at its yard during the day after previously being ordered to work quietly.

Denbighshire council’s planning committee was hearing an application from Michael Hall of G Parry Home Improvements Ltd, Ruthin, to allow the use of “noise generating machinery” between 8am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am and 12.30pm on Saturdays.

There were several objections from residents local to the former Wynnstay Stores site in the town, who claimed noise coming from the works was breaching the conditions of the company’s planning consent given last year.

The condition stated no “noise generating equipment” should be used on site including “cement mixers, grinders, circular saws, electric drills, pneumatic nail guns, or any sawing and hammering undertaken” without prior consent from the council.

Committee members heard from one resident who said the company had breached planning conditions by using a loud “rock-crusher” on the site as well as other machinery.

The planning documents also revealed complaints the applicants had been working outside allotted hours, including Sundays, and was impacting “enjoyment” of residents’ homes during the day time.

Mr Hall said his business had grown and 42 staff were employed, with “50%” of his trade being conducted with Denbighshire council working on their void housing.

Planning officer Paul Mead said the idea of allowing work-related noise on the site during allotted hours was a “perfectly reasonable condition” and there were “no concerns” with the company breaching noise pollution legislation.

Officers had suggested an extra condition limiting use of the rock crusher to just 30 minutes each week, to satisfy residents’ concerns.

Mr Mead said officers had proposed a log be kept on site of when the crushing machine was used.

Ruthin councillor Bobby Feeley said it was “fair to say the company was a good and responsible employer” and asked the committee to vote in favour of the change.

She said residents who had previously been travelling to work had been sat at home during the day over the past year, which meant they were more aware of day to day work on the site.

The committee voted unanimously to allow the planning conditions, which mean the company can use “noise generating machinery”, including limited use of the rock crusher for 30 minutes each week.