Pub's launderette leaves neighbours in a spin as landlord agrees not to leave it on through the night

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 05:44 EDT, 16 September 2026 | Updated: 05:46 EDT, 16 September 2026 A pub in Norwich has gotten into hot water after its newly-installed launderette sparked a wash of noise complaints from neighbours. Owners of The Woodman set up the 24-hour facility just outside in a bid to increase their income following financial pressures that resulted from rises in National Insurance payments and the minimum wage.But residents living near the pub were up in arms over the tumbling noise and harsh lights that were coming from the launderette at all hours of the day and night.The launderette, which consists of two industrial-sized washing machines and a 20kg dryer, had also caused parking chaos, according to locals. Pippa Lain-Smith, who lives opposite the pub, told the Eastern Daily Press: 'It is an eyesore, extremely intrusive and not in keeping with the area.'The bright blue lighting system, which is left on all night, causes light pollution over and above what one would expect from the area.'She added it should have been put in the pub's car park which is further away from the houses and would have made it less of an unsightly attraction. Another neighbour said customers using the machines would park on pavements while they waited for their laundry. Owners of The Woodman set up the 24-hour facility just outside in a bid to increase their income The launderette, which consists of two industrial-sized washing machines and a 20kg dryer, had also caused parking chaos, according to localsThis caused pedestrians to have to walk into the busy road in order to get around the cars.He called it 'ridiculous' and 'an accident waiting to happen.' In response to the backlash from angry residents, the self-service facility is now set to operate between 7am and 11pm.The pub owners have also agreed to set the lights to a timer so they are not on all night. Customers of the launderette can now also use the pub car park for free for one hour.Antony Little, the Norfolk county councillor for the area said: 'I understand, and hope you do too, that pubs are struggling and need to diversify their income streams. 'However, this shouldn't be done at the expense of the communities that they serve,' he added.'There needs to be a way where we can reasonably keep the machines while ensuring that neighbours' homes are not blighted.'He added: 'We still need to look at the issue of this launderette being so out of character with the area. Still can’t believe it doesn’t need any permission or consultation with neighbours.'A parish meeting is being held tonight to discuss the concerns.