Amazon has told local authorities in Darlington that its drones will create less noise than delivery vans as it seeks permission to launch Britain’s first aerial package deliveries.

According to the Telegraph, planning documents submitted to Darlington Council state that drone noise “is likely to be marginally less or similar to that experienced during a residential delivery via van.”

Noise levels from the drones are expected to reach no more than 72 decibels — comparable to the sound of a washing machine or shower.

Consulting firm Tetra Tech, which supported Amazon’s application, said: “The duration of the drone delivery is very short (30 seconds), compared to the van delivery (two minutes) and similarly events from a van delivery such as van door banging brake, manoeuvring and knocking on doors, are likely to be more potentially disturbing events than the drone delivery.”

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The trial will use four drones operating from a dedicated area at Amazon’s Darlington warehouse. The drones will fly between 55 and 85 metres high and deliver packages by dropping them into residents’ gardens from a height of four metres.

Amazon plans to run deliveries on weekdays between 9am and 5pm, weather permitting, with the fleet capable of completing 21 flights an hour.

Some residents near the warehouse have expressed concerns over noise.

A group opposing the scheme said: “Despite claims … that drone-related noise is within acceptable levels, the very novelty and inconsistency of drone noise – with sharp, tonal, and high-pitched overflights – will drastically change the character of this area.”

They added: “Unlike road traffic or industrial hum, drones emit non-continuous, unpredictable noise, often perceived as more intrusive and stressful.”

Amazon has previously trialled drones in the UK before shifting tests to the US. The company is working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on autonomous drone delivery trials.

A spokesman for the retailer said: “We’ll continue to work closely with the CAA as they develop the regulatory framework to make commercial drone delivery a reality in the UK. In the meantime, we will also engage with the Darlington community to answer questions and collect feedback as we seek to offer this new delivery option.”

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