Furious Norfolk residents row with school over new eco heat pumps so loud they cause a ’24 hour nuisance’

• Locals near Reepham High School said the devices are noisy 24 hours a day 

Residents in Norfolk are embroiled in a row with a nearby secondary school over their ‘very noisy’ eco heat pumps.

Locals who live near Reepham High School in Reepham said the electrically-powered devices used to heat classrooms are a ’24-hour noise nuisance’. 

The pumps work by absorbing heat from the air and are said to be more efficient than gas boilers. They can be powered by renewable resources instead of fossil fuels.

But locals said they are creating so much noise pollution that they are unable to open their windows or go into their gardens without being disturbed.

Mark Bridges, who lives near the school, said the pumps are causing a problem 24 hours a day. 

Residents are embroiled in a row with a secondary school over their ‘very noisy’ eco heat pumps

He blamed Broadland District Council for allowing the pumps to be installed in the first place without being able to reduce the noise pollution.

Mark said: ‘They are very noisy. They are a 24-hour noise nuisance.’

The pumps were installed last year but planning permission was only sought afterwards.

Locals also claimed they were assured the pumps would be switched off on bank holidays and during the school holidays.

But they said they have been left running so have called in local MP, Jerome Mayhew, in an attempt to resolve the issue.

Mr Mayhew said: ‘Whilst I welcome the school’s efforts to reduce the carbon impact of their heating system, this needs to be done in a way that is considerate to their neighbours and compliant with the planning system.

‘I will continue to help local residents to make sure their concerns are properly considered.’

Locals who live near Reepham High School in Reepham, Norfolk, said the electrically-powered devices used to heat classrooms are a ’24-hour noise nuisance’

The school’s head teacher, Tim Gibbs, said he is ‘sympathetic’ towards the complaints raised but ‘remains compliant’ with the installation of the heat pumps.

‘While I am sympathetic to the complaints raised by our neighbours, we have responded to all of their concerns and remain compliant in everything we have done with the installation of the air source heat pumps,’ he said. 

The council said it had investigated the complaints and monitored the noise made by the pumps.

A spokesperson said: ‘The council has been working with all parties to get to a position that has enabled matters to move forwards.

‘Noise testing of the pumps has been carried out and concerns and complaints have been investigated by the council’s Planning Enforcement Team.

‘The proposals which provide an alternative source of renewable energy to the school will reduce the reliance on centralised, non-renewable energy sources and make a positive contribution towards achieving green energy targets, tackling the challenges of climate change and reducing the reliance on finite energy sources.’

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