Developer explains more of Telford industrial plan opposed by hundreds of residents

The units would include ancillary office space, with associated parking, EV parking, gatehouses, cycle shelters, an attenuation pond, and landscaping also part of the plans.

However, the scheme was met with widespread criticism, with over 300 objections lodged.

When the proposal was discussed at Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning committee last month, representations were made by Councillor Gemma Offland and Councillor Phil Milwood, the borough and parish councillors respectively for the area. They both raised concerns, with the amount of noise being one of them.

The committee decided to defer the application for more consultation to take place. David Sutton, a director at Air & Acoustic Consultants, has now supplied a noise statement on behalf of Mercia Real Estate.

“While Councillor Milwood specifically mentioned noise pollution and hours of operation, there was no further detail regarding the specific noise concern and no reference to the submitted noise assessment that supported the application,” said Mr Sutton.

“The third representation was made from Mr David Sellwood. We understand that Mr Sellwood is a technical director at Jacobs, however, it is not clear if Mr Sellwood was making these comments in a private capacity or in his role at Jacobs.

“Mr Sellwood’s initial comment was regarding the noise source data that was used within the assessment and specifically the noise data that was used to represent the noise from an HGV.

“Mr Sellwood questioned how the data had been produced and if the data had been validated. He also questioned the validity of the HGV noise level used within the assessment and bases this challenge upon a comparison of the noise levels that are published within British Standard 5228.

“Mr Sellwood identifies that the noise level used within the AAC assessment are lower that the data provided in British Standard 5228 and as such Mr Sellwood suggest the assessment seriously underestimates the HGV noise level.

“While BS 5228 does provide noise data, Mr Sellwood fails to acknowledge or appreciate that is standard is intended for noise from construction sites, as opposed to an operational commercial site.

“While the number of objections may be considered to be significant, the specific comments themselves do not raise any specific queries or questions regarding the submitted noise assessment.

“While it is agreed that the end user of the proposed units are not know at this stage this should not prevent the determination of the applications and there are suitable planning conditions that can be used to ensure that the amenity of any sensitive receptors are protected in line with the relevant British Standards and guidance.”