Farnham school expansion gets go-ahead after noise concerns
- Published
When planning permission was granted residents said they were worried about noise from heating units
The expansion of a school for children with special educational needs can go ahead after an agreement was reached to monitor noise levels from heat pumps.
In February 2022 the Abbey School, in Menin Way, Farnham, was granted permission to remodel its school buildings and play area.
However, complaints were raised against the location of its heating systems, with residents worried about noise.
Once completed, the expanded school will accommodate 170 children.
The Abbey School is described as a "strong and vibrant special school with places for 100 children aged 11 to 16 who have learning difficulties and additional needs", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
When the planning permission was granted in February 2022 residents said they were worried about noise from the heating units.
It was agreed the units would be moved from their original location on the school's sports hall roof to ground level - with added sound reduction measures put in place.
Night-time noise
On 20 December Surrey County Council's planning committee voted to move air source pumps, together with sound proofing measures, but said they would check back to ensure disturbances were kept to a minimum.
Officers told the meeting: "During the day it is accepted that against the background noise, noise produced by the pumps would not be entirely noticeable, however they expressed concern that at night this could potentially lead to an adverse impact.
"Therefore to further protect neighbours the screening would be amended to include sound absorbing materials."
Resident Mark Finney said: "The new condition requiring absorptive panelling for the heat pumps is helpful, but not enough."
He said it would require neighbours to "put up with an unpleasant, continuous, industrial hum".
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