A REPORT prepared for developers seeking permission for a massive data centre in Greenock states that it would be possible for noise from the site to be restricted enough for it not to be a reason for refusal.
Slate Island Developments is proposing an 80,000-square-metre facility at the former IBM site at Spango Valley. Consultants EnviroCentre were commissioned to carry out a noise impact assessment for the data centre, and for a battery energy storage system also proposed for the Inverkip Road site.
They conclude that measures could be taken to reduce adverse affects and that “noise is therefore not considered to be a constraint to development”.
More than 2,000 objections have been received by Inverclyde planners regarding the application which is currently being assessed.
The EnviroCentre noise report states: “Background sound levels were measured at three locations considered representative of the most exposed receptors in the area. Monitoring was carried out over a period of at least two days at each location to ensure representative levels were captured.
“At this stage, the development layouts may be subject to change and detailed designs incorporating locations and types of plant/mechanical services are also not finalised. The modelling within this assessment has therefore been undertaken by incorporating data provided by the client, assumed data obtained from published noise impact assessments of similar developments and database levels held by EnviroCentre Ltd.
“The predicted external levels indicate that there is potential for major adverse impacts at local receptors located at the top of Flatterton Road. The properties in this location have reduced exposure to existing road noise and may have unbroken line of sight to rooftop plant unless this is avoided at detailed design stage.
“Calculated internal noise levels during the day and night are predicted to be at the threshold for impacts. This indicates that internal noise levels may be practicably reduced to prevent sleep disturbance for local residents.
“As the design has not been finalised, the results of this assessment are intended to inform the likely noise management and mitigation requirements for the development.
“The assessment results indicate that it should be practicable to mitigate noise to typically applied target criteria by considering noise constraints at an early stage of the detailed site design process. Noise is therefore not considered to be a constraint to development.
“A combination of low noise plant type selection, consideration of optimum plant locations, and physical acoustic mitigation such as silencers, louvres and barriers can be employed at the detailed design stage to reduce the potential for adverse impact.”
