Ball Aerocan factory causing 'noise pollution' in Wiltshire

The noise, which appears to come from the Ball Aerocan facility on Folly Road in Devizes can be heard in the residential areas on the opposite side of London Road to the factory, near B&Q.

Many others say they can hear it from as far away as Roundway and claim the noise is disrupting their daily lives.

The firm is taking action to reduce its impact but noise can still be heard from neighbouring properties.

A part retrospective planning application to install a new plant and other associated enabling works is currently under consideration after being submitted by Ball Aerosol Packaging UK Ltd in April.

This has sparked an outcry from residents who are appealing for action to reduce both the noise pollution and air and light pollution.

The edge of the Ball Aerocan site from London Road (Image: Newsquest)

Among these complainants is James Beale, who believes the manufacturing operation has transformed the area and keeps him and his family awake.

Commenting on the planning application, he said: “The noise has to be stopped, it’s constant and it’s driving us all mental.

“I walk the dog up the hill behind Roundway village to the background of the noise, I take my daughter to Six Penny nursery across the field near the white horse, constant drone.

“I try to relax in my garden after work, drone 24/7. How can this be stopped? What was once a quiet peaceful area is being ruined.”

Multiple other residents also commented complaining of a constant “high pitch, tinnitus-type sound” that they say is “impossible to block out.”

Mr Beale has joined with other residents to form The Devizes Pollution Action Group, which has objected to the proposal and launched a petition calling on DEFRA to intervene.

A picture taken by James Beale which he says shows the site from the Folly Road direction (Image: James Beale)

In August Cllr Laura Mayes, the representative for Bromham, Rowde, and Roundway, visited the Ball Aerocan site to view noise reduction measures installed by the company.

While she says this has improved the situation, she told residents the noise remains unacceptable.

Speaking on Facebook, she said: “I made a further visit to the Ball Aerocan factory to discuss the ongoing noise issues.

“The company has installed some noise reduction measures, but still has more to do before the sound comes down to acceptable levels.

“Please contact me at laura.mayes@wiltshire.gov.uk if you’re being affected.”

In the application, Ball says it has embedded “noise attenuation measures” into its proposals, including a four-metre acoustic barrier on the site’s barrier.

Ball did not respond to a request for comment.