County Durham garage issued noise abatement notice after resident complaints

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 09:07 · Archive

A family-run garage in Staindrop, County Durham, has been issued a noise abatement notice after residents on a neighbouring new housing estate complained about noise from a wood-processing business on the site.

Brian and Julie Atkinson, who have run Louis Smith Motors garage in Staindrop, County Durham, for 26 years, have been issued a noise abatement notice after residents on a neighbouring new housing estate complained about noise from their son's wood-processing business operating from the same site. The notice demands they stop the noise or face an unlimited fine and a £500 penalty for every day the offence continues.

The couple argue the housing estate should never have been built at that location. They say a council planning committee was told noise would be an issue. Julie Atkinson questioned why a housing estate would be built on the boundary of the garage and suggested there should have been a hill or embankment separating the two.

Brian Atkinson expressed concern that allowing the complaint could prompt further grievances from residents about other aspects of the business, such as weekend opening hours. He said he had tried to resolve the problems amicably. Durham County Council said it would continue to work with the business and residents to find a solution.

How it is being reported

• Family-run garage fears for future after row with residents over noiseResidents on a neighbouring estate have complained about noise at Louis Smith Motors in Staindrop, County Durham, prompting the garage to be issued with a noise abatement notice.Darlington & Stockton Times · 19 Oct, 08:37
• Family-run County Durham garage fears for future after row with residents over noiseOwners of a County Durham garage fear for its future after residents on a neighbouring estate complained about noise, prompting a noise abatement notice.The Northern Echo · 19 Oct, 05:30

In this story: Brian Atkinson · Julie Atkinson · Louis Smith Motors · Staindrop · County Durham · Durham County Council

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