Sleeping cooling systems: Sülzer bakery ensures noise scandal!

Sleeping cooling systems: Sülzer bakery ensures noise scandal!

In the quiet residential area on Sülzburgstrasse in Cologne-Lindenthal, the opening of the "Boulangerie Épi" bakery caused considerable unrest a few months ago. Local residents report permanent noise pollution by the cooling systems of the bakery, which are located directly above a green courtyard. These unpleasant noises not only disturb everyday life, but also lead to sleep disorders in the residential complex between the Berrenrather and Wichterichstrasse. As ksta.de , residents such as Thomas Schmeckpeper and Lydia Kieven have known and suspect that the noise measurements were carried out on days with lower temperatures, which influenced the noise development.

The cooling systems are equipped with heat exchangers that are attached to the outside on the walls. Despite the first attempts at improvement, in which the systems were "built in", the noise pollution could not be significantly reduced. A noise report from the IHK confirmed that the noise pollution in an affected apartment even exceeded the permissible limit. However, a later test at another location showed values ​​below this limit, which meant that no further measures were taken.

noise protection and legal framework conditions

The topic of neighborhood noise is not just a local problem, but also affects many cities in Germany. According to environmental office , neighborhood noise that results from sounds such as cooling, even if legal requirements for noise are met. The legal framework that is set in immission control law and the civil law offers residents certain rights to protect themselves from excessive noise pollution.

According to the provisions of the device and machine noise protection regulation, noise generators in noise-sensitive areas may only be operated at certain times. Nevertheless, the situation in the Cologne bakery does not seem to be easy to regulate. Michael Höpcke, managing director of the property management, announced that he fears an increase in noises with increasing temperatures. Some neighbors have already changed their home or plan to do this to escape noise pollution.

reactions of the bakery and the residents

The bakery itself was interested in a solution, according to managing director Heinz-Peter Otten and has already invested in suggestions for improvement. A possible approach that Otten suggests would be to bury the cooling systems in a large hole, which would cause high costs. This technical solution could possibly be of use not only to the residents on Sülzburgstrasse, but also other affected districts in Cologne, as Schmeckpeper emphasizes.

The residents have in the meantime began to regularly write to the management of the bakery, but without receiving specific answers or solutions. The environmental office has already started investigations because the operator is obliged to ensure the proper condition of its plants. In the hope of an early solution for noise pollution, residents only have to rely on a constructive dialogue with the bakery and the responsible authorities.

Another source of information about noise protection topics offers bmuv.de , which offers comprehensive insights into legal regulations and opportunities to deal with noise. There, those affected can find helpful suggestions and information in order to better articulate their concerns and, if necessary, take legal action.