The neighbours make BOC wait
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• BOC Distribu tion Services must wait to see if North Western Licensing Authority Martin Albu will increase the authorisation at its Warrington depot from 25 vehicles and 25 trailers to 50 vehicles and 60 trailers, following representations from neighbouring residents.
For BOC, John Barrett said the company did not itself find the site of its operating centre, at Europe Boulevard, Gemini Business Park, Warrington. The Commission for New Towns found the site, and the organisation was told BOC would run a 24-hour operation. The increased authorisation was necessary because of commercial pressure: BOC distributed for major food suppliers. The food was chilled and a 24-hour operation was an absolute requirement.
The residents complained about noise every night and during every weekend. They said a humming noise could be heard all night, with the revving of engines, uncoupling and coupling of trailers, reversing bleepers and the noise of air brakes. They were very upset about the siting of the unit. They wanted restrictions on work through the night and the erection of an acoustic barrier.
Paul Littmoden, BOC Baker's general manager commercial, said planning permission was granted with no restriction on hours.
Following complaints, electri cal points for the refrigeration units were installed, engine revving was kept to a minimum and the refrigerated vehicles were parked away from the houses.
BOC's noise survey concluded that the likelihood of a complaint due to noise was not significant; and that the increase in vehicle numbers was likely to cause an increase in the noise levels of three decibels and that the likelihood of receiving complaints was still not significant.
BOC would not have purchased the site if it had known restrictions would be imposed. It had agreed to construct an acoustic barrier if the additional vehicles were authorised.
Littmoden agreed that with hindsight BOC should have talked to the residents before acquiring the site, but said they were guided to the site as an industrial area and had not envisaged any problems.
For the residents, Brian Evans said they felt there had to be a control over BOC, which,he said, had arrogantly conducted a 24hour operation without any understanding for the residents.
The LA is to put his decision in writing.