This petition relates to the noise at Dairy Partners Ltd site emanating from air handling and refrigeration equipment at the South-Eastern corner of the new factory overlooking the Town Council car park on Oldends Lane, Stonehouse.

The noise first became an issue back in 2022 when the newly-built factory commenced operations. The equipment/gantry in question was not enshrined within the Planning Permission for the site and therefore dairy partners are in breach of their planning permission.

Following a noise investigation by Environmental Protection at Stroud District Council it was concluded that the noise from the equipment constituted a statutory noise nuisance and in August 2022, they served them with an Abatement Notice to require Dairy Partners Ltd to abate the noise by reducing it to more reasonable levels. A deadline for abatement was set as 8th November 2022.

The company has not met that deadline and although they have taken some steps to try and reduce the noise this has been to little or no effect. Environmental Protection at Stroud District have sought to hasten the implementation of the required works needed however there has been little to no progress.

Since the factory commenced operation there has been a significant humming and high pitch noise coming from this equipment which is having a negative impact on many residents affecting mental health and sleep and some having to resort to selling up and moving from the area. Some residents are now using earplugs and such like to try and dull down the noise.

We as residents in little Australia and the surrounding streets want to restore peace in our homes and gardens. The noise that is coming from the factory is also heard within our homes as well. We have been told by the council that we should close our doors and windows and go back in our houses. This is not an acceptable response.

Following meetings with the Director of Dairy Partners Steve Welsh and also meeting with cllr Nick Housden it was concluded that dairy partners should now take action to turn off the equipment that’s causing the noise until works or a resolution can be found and also compensate the residents for the significant breach of peace.

This petition therefore is for the affected residents to sign to go alongside the letter from Nick Housden the counsellor in agreement.