Residents in a quiet Suffolk hamlet are "dismayed" by plans to build a medical waste incinerator on unused farmland nearby.
Inhabitants of Hinton, between Dunwich and the A12, say they are concerned about expected noise levels at the site, which is planned to burn medical waste from nearby hospitals to be reused and turned into electricity.
The proposals were submitted by Blythburgh Estate landowner Sir Charles Blois for a new energy incinerator at two agricultural barns at Poplar Farm, Bowmans Lane.
According to planning application documents, installed equipment noise values range from 35 dB (decibels) to 86, but plans say the noise of all operational motors is "guaranteed" to not exceed an average of 85.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that noise exposure levels should not exceed 70 dB over a 24-hour period, and 85 dB over one hour to avoid hearing impairment.
The plans also state that expected bedroom noise levels at the nearby Poplar Farm Bungalow would be slightly over guideline values, which could be resolved by installing an acoustic trickle vent to bedroom windows and "keeping windows closed".
Colin Hughes, who lives metres from the proposed site, said: "We are all dismayed by this proposal to site a loud, intrusive waste disposal facility in a peaceful and quiet oasis on the Suffolk coast.
"What a marvellous way to scare off visitors to the area, who represent far and away the most attractive economic gain.
"This facility, if approved, would generate - not occasional noise as do farming and shooting, which are fine - but continuous night and day din, every day of the year.
"It is totally out of keeping with the area, and we urge Suffolk County Council's planning committee to reject it outright."
A spokesperson for Evolution Town Planning, agents of the application, said: "The facility uses an existing building within an established farmyard. It will be a small plant which will create six local jobs.
"The proposal is supported by a noise assessment carried out by an experienced acoustic consultant who concluded that, with appropriate noise mitigation in place, there would be no adverse effects on any nearby receptors due to noise.
"The figures quoted by residents are quite wrong: the resultant noise levels at nearby dwellings would be well below WHO guidelines and within recommended levels from relevant British Standards.
"The development would fully meet the requirements of Government Planning and Noise Policy. As the site is in the centre of a farmyard, passers-by will not be aware of its existence.
"It will be less intrusive than the pig and arable business which was operated from the farm buildings."
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