Air source heat pumps at The Laurels, Draycott, Cheddar

What was proposed

The variation sought six air source heat pumps with acoustic screening, a materials change and a small height increase.

“The Officer’s Report stated this application sought approval for a variation of conditions to allow the installation of six air source heat pumps on the flat roof, with acoustic screening, changes to external materials (substitution of natural stone with brick on lower sections of Blocks 2 and 3 and an increase in building height of one brick course (approximately 75mm).”

Minutes

Why officers recommended approval

Officers found the proposal in accordance with local plan and national policy and recommended approval.

“The Officer’s Report concluded that having assessed the proposal against the relevant policies the proposal was in accordance with the relevant policies of the Adopted Mendip District Council Local Plan Part I (2014) and National Planning Policy Framework and was therefore recommendation for approval.”

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Objections

The Parish Council and residents objected over noise assessment, the height increase, blocked views and the busy access road.

“Rodney Stoke Parish Council objected to the application and there had been a number of issues raised by local residents which included:”

“Noise Impact Assessment inadequate, more detail needed and explanation. • Height increased unjustified. • A large expansion that will come up to the property & block views. • Extra equipment will ruin the peace and quiet. • Close to be used as access, the road is busy.”

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Who spoke

An objector raised noise and vibration concerns, and the applicant's agent explained the sustainability strategy and noise modelling.

What members debated

Members questioned noise testing methods, vibration from the units, and hedgerow and landscaping conditions.

“Noise Impact: • Members queried whether the noise assessment was conducted on-site or in an office and Officers confirmed that a noise receptor and microphone were set up in the field, monitoring noise over a period of time. Data was then used in a computer model to predict noise levels in specific areas. • When asked about normal background levels the agent confirmed acceptable levels are 31 dB, and all modelling results were below this threshold.”

“Landscape and Hedgerow Matters: • Members asked if hedges would be maintained and not removed. Planning Officers confirmed conditions from the original approval remained in place. • The Planning Officer outlined comprehensive conditions for landscaping, including a hard and soft landscaping condition, a Landscape and ecological management plan and hedgerow removal restrictions (March–August)”

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The decision

The application was approved in line with the officer's recommendation, with an added condition for acoustic testing before occupation.

“At the conclusion of the debate, Councillor Ros Wyke proposed the application be approved in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation with an additional condition requiring post-installation noise testing prior to occupation, to demonstrate compliance with the approved acoustic assessment. This proposal was seconded by Councillor Tony Robbins.”

“RESOLVED That planning application 2025/0324/VRC be APPROVED in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation subject to an additional condition that prior to occupation, full acoustic testing is carried out to confirm that the noise emissions from the installed air source heat pumps do not exceed the predicted levels set out in the submitted Noise Impact Assessment dated 3rd October 2025.”

Minutes