A MORLEY couple has regained the freedom of letting their children play outside without fear of noise complaints, after Bayswater council granted planning approval for their home business.
Direct Power Electrical owners Anella and Michael Tollis have been operating on their Crowhurst Way property for more than 10 years but were subject to a noise and compliance complaint made by a neighbour in June.
The couple submitted a planning application for retrospective approval, which saw the City of Bayswater consult affected neighbours over a 14-day period.
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READ NOWConcerns about the business’s 24-hour service, car frequency, noise levels, storage of equipment on the property and the nature of the business were raised in the complaint.
At its August 15 committee meeting, council granted 12-month planning approval and deleted the officer’s recommendation to restrict commercial vehicles from driving to and from the premise during business hours.
Mrs Tollis said since the complaint was made her two employees made “sporadic” visits to the property, emailed their timesheets and parked their vehicles for no longer than 30 minutes.
“They come to discuss jobs in our garage and when they do, they keep the noise low,” she said.
“To drop the noise (levels), I no longer let my three kids play outside because I fear my neighbour.
“All residents were supportive apart from this one complaint from the adjacent house who has been our neighbour for 10 years.
“All we ask is for our workers to come to our property and store their tools in our garage.”
Deputy Mayor Stephanie Coates said it “broke her heart” to hear Mrs Tollis did not allow her children to play outside because of the complaint.
Mayor Barry McKenna said this situation did not promote the quality of lifestyle that he wanted to oversee as mayor.
Councillor Sally Palmer said she hoped the family could enjoy their home life again.
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