'Screams of delight' pushed flying fox noise over limit, says council

Complaints led to the council erecting signs and starting a noise assessment at the playground. Photo / Thinkstock

Auckland Council has revealed that "screams of delight" from children using a flying fox at a playground exceeded allowable noise levels by 16 decibels.

The equipment at Playtime Park at the base of Mt Wellington next to the Stonefields estate has been disabled after tests at various times of the day over several days in December.

According to the city's district plan, the maximum noise level allowed in residential areas ranges from 40 to 75 decibels depending on time and day.

Noise levels can be exceeded by intermittent noise from normal household activities, like mowing the lawn (about 90 decibels), at reasonable times.

A normal conversation is about 60 decibels, and a car horn around 110.

"A lot of noise is being generated by the screams and yelling of delight from the children using the park and people talking loudly," said the council's local and sports parks manager, Jane Aickin.

"It is great to see children enjoying the park, but the reality is that it is causing a problem for neighbours."

Several neighbours immediately adjacent to the park contacted the council to say the noise from users was impacting on their quality of life.

"We know this [flying fox] closure will disappoint some people, but we need to address residents' complaints about noise," Ms Aickin said.

But, the council said most of the planning and designing of the playground took place ahead of the homes being built.

Details were provided to developers of Stonefields, Todd Property, to include on maps and information for prospective homeowners. The council would work with the Orakei Local Board, the community and stakeholders to consider next steps, including moving the flying fox.

Local board member and parks portfolio holder Kit Parkinson said the park has been a hit with children.

"We worked with local school children on the design of the park and they love it. We'll do everything we can to ensure this remains a valuable local community playground."