DENNINGTON residents are demanding answers over ear-splitting noises spilling out from a nearby timber laminator.
Warrnambool Timber Industries last week met with residents concerned over plans to extend the building on the Princes Highway.
About 30 worried residents fronted a meeting at the site last Thursday night — many of whom have listed objections with council.
The application is still under consideration and could see two extra sheds to the business, which will house timber beams.
While a new sound barrier has been included in designs, some residents left the meeting frustrated after engineers were unable to provide hard figures on the noise impacts of new plans.
Diane Gardner, whose property is a street away, described the sound from her backyard as “ear-piercing”.
“I just think it’s really unfair that I can’t enjoy my home — I wouldn’t have someone round for a barbecue,” she said.
“One resident even sold his house because he couldn’t stand the thing.”
Ms Gardner said residents were told the sound readings at the site were thought to be 92 decibels.
“We left the meeting very disheartened,” she said.
She also expressed doubts that the 100-metre acoustic wall along the business would hold back the sounds of machinery.
City councillor Brian Kelson said he had concerns over future noise levels.
“There is definitely a noise out there ... with the industrial estate coming down further they are going to cop more noise,” Cr Kelson said.
Trucks and growing businesses around the site were going to put pressure on homes in the area, he said.
“It’s becoming a hotspot for the residents of Dennington, it is angering a lot of people,” Cr Kelson said.
Last year a federal government affordable housing fund secured 1250 housing blocks in Dennington north for development.
Warrnambool Timber Industries declined to provide a comment to The Standard about the development.