From July 2007 onwards residents of Anick and Oakwood have experienced unacceptable levels of noise from the new Egger plant. These have been moderated by actions taken by Egger following intervention by Tynedale District Council, but noise levels remain too high – and above the levels permitted by the planning conditions for the plant. However, the outcome is still awaited of further actions beginning 1 October to implement the recommendations of a survey by noise consultants employed by Egger and the effect of finally closing down the old plant, currently expected during October.

If you would like to read it the Tynedale District Council Planning approval for the new Egger factory can be downloaded from [here]

You can log any noise intrusions online by clicking this link [Log it!]

The Community talks to the Parish Council
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Oct 04 2007 at 4:08 pm
Noise levels >>

Keep Egger Quiet!
Requests to Sandhoe Parish Council, 12 September 2007: 




1. Express support for complaints from residents and for the Tynedale DC Environmental Health Officer in seeking to reduce noise from the new Egger plant to reasonable levels

2. Urge Tynedale DC to insist on rapid compliance within a defined period by Egger with the planning conditions regarding noise which TDC imposed on Egger

3. Seek regular publication of the results of official and Egger required noise monitoring

4. Invite Egger to a public meeting to outline their strategy for alleviating the noise.

The Noise Disturbance

As the new, larger Egger chipboard factory has come into production this summer, noise levels in Anick and Oakwood have risen to unreasonable levels. The noise disturbances – heard 1.5 km or more from the plant - include:

- a persistent roar 24 hours a day, with various tonal elements
- banging and crashing for long periods, including at night
- vehicle reversing alarms at night
- houses physically vibrating because of vibrations from Egger

Despite strict planning conditions, complaints from residents, and action by the Environmental Health Officer, which has led to some improvement, Egger continue to produce far more noise than is reasonable. Egger’s replies to complaints suggest insufficient urgency in curing problems.

The Impact of the Disturbance

- sleep disrupted
- lost efficiency by workers
- leisure activities prevented
- health damage to residents if high levels of noise persist over a long period
- residents unable to move and financially damaged because houses are less saleable

The Planning Conditions “to minimise noise impact” which are not yet effective

(These are taken from TDC website Approvals for Planning Applications 20050453 and 20060920. Environmental Protection Act provisions also apply)

- Noise from the plant at designated locations not to exceed set decibels (lower at night)
- No discernible tonal character or impulse character in the plant noise
- No vehicle reversing alarms between 6 pm and 8 am
- Egger to submit details of noise protection measures for log handling etc BEFORE construction
- Egger to carry out monitoring of compliance with noise emissions at sensitive locations after final commissioning is completed (When will this be? And will results be public?)