We border a large property where the unconscionable owner believes that operating a leaf blower, chainsaw, gang mowers or a large woodchipper anywhere between 6am and 10pm is his inalienable right.

Recently, the woodchipper started at 5.30pm less than 10m from our outdoor dining area as we were entertaining guests prior to dinner. Large limbs, around 100mm, were going through the chipper.

At 6pm I rang the council noise control and because it was out-of-hours I got their contractor.

I was told that they would get somebody around. At 6.30pm I rang again and was told that council policy was there had to be at least two complaints an hour apart before they could act. When I asked why I wasn't told this in the first instance, the reply was that that is council policy. At 7pm I rang again and they said they would send somebody around. I don't think that that happened.

Nowhere on any council site can I find the requirement that council will not act on noise unless they receive two complaints an hour apart.

R Sapwell, Bethlehem.

*** TCC replies: Information on Council's general noise control policy can be found on our website: www.tauranga.govt.nz/council/ services/noise-control

Individual noise complaints will be responded to directly with those involved.