ARMY bosses who want to install helicopter simulators at their base in Colchester have been told to stand down after their application was refused.
The Ministry of Defence has had plans for two Chinook simulators at its Merville Barracks thrown out by Colchester Council following a stream of objections.
The military wanted to use the large units, which would have been operated by hydraulics and positioned on concrete pads, to improve training drills.
In blueprints seen by the Gazette, it was suggested the simulators would have been used between 7.30am and 6pm, with 12 hours of evening use per month.
The results of an assessment, however, concluded Monkwick Avenue and Henry Everett Grove would see a “significant” increase of noise during night operations.
But throughout the day some residents would only experience a “low to very low” noise impact and a significant noise impact for others would “likely be avoided.”
Despite the Ministry of Defence believing the impact of the simulators on residents would be minimal, homeowners raised concerns over the noise they would generate.
One displeased local said: “We already have enough noise from the surrounding army barracks – my children are already awoken by the helicopters.
“We do not need additional noise.”
Another suggested residents had not been properly consulted about the plans to install simulators near houses in Monkwick Avenue and Henry Everett Grove.
They said: “The estate is a quiet one, hence why I moved to this area only a few years ago with my family.
“I believe this project will cause significant noise disturbance, impacting out quality of life, stress levels, and possibly the value of my and other properties.”
Residents from other estates, such as Wall Mews and Trowell Place, where noise tests were not conducted, also questioned the extent to which they may be impacted.
One added: “Appreciating the army base has training, but this is a quiet area, with little noise at night time that disturbs the community.”
Colchester Garrison bosses have said they now plan to submit a revised application.
A spokesman said: “We note the refusal of planning permission.
"An updated planning application will be resubmitted after plans have been amended to reflect local residents’ concerns."
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