Care center in Trondheim files complaint against Festningen AS over noise violations during festival

The management board of a care center in Trondheim has lodged a formal complaint against Festningen AS with the local climate and environment unit. This grievance arises from ongoing violations of noise regulations experienced during a festival held in August.

The board asserts that patients with dementia faced significant health impacts due to excessively loud concert noise that led to widespread agitation, anxiety, confusion, and sleep disturbances. Torsten Hanssen, the board’s chairperson, highlighted that noise measurements conducted during the festival indicated violations lasting a total of 15 hours. The event concluded both nights with fireworks, which reportedly caused vibrations in the building and rattled items in patient rooms.

Hermann Ørn Vidarsson, the managing director of Festningen AS, acknowledged awareness of the complaint but stated he has not seen its contents, thus refraining from comments. He expressed surprise at the complaint, given the ongoing communication both parties had engaged in.

The care center, owned and operated by Bakklandet Menighet, primarily serves individuals suffering from dementia, a condition that makes them particularly sensitive to noise disturbances. The center’s complaint emphasizes that these patients cannot adequately prepare or cope with unexpected loud sounds.

The board is now requesting that the city of Trondheim investigate these violations. They are advocating for a reduction in permissible noise levels, a ban on fireworks, and a limitation on the number of festival attendees. Anette Fenstad, acting climate and environment chief for Trondheim, noted that any further actions would depend on the findings from their investigation.