Pollution Control - Noise Nuisance

     

Noise - how we can help

The Environmental Protection Team will investigate complaints about noise from industrial, commercial, neighbour and neighbourhood sources. Please contact us for help or advice about noise from the following:-

• alarms, including vehicle alarms
• barking dogs
• construction and demolition sites
• deliveries, or refuse/recycling collections at commercial premises
• noisy neighbours
• noisy equipment in the street
• pubs and clubs
• ventilation, air conditioning equipment or other noisy equipment in commercial and industrial premises
• roadworks

We do not have any legal powers to deal with:

• rowdy behaviour in public places
• traffic and aircraft noise

For help with Noise in the Workplace please contact

The Commercial Team

Environmental Health
Shepway District Council
Civic Centre
Castle Hill Avenue
Folkestone CT20 2QY

01303 858660 

01303 853294

 Environmental Health General Enquiries

What to do if I am disturbed by noise

The person(s) responsible for the noise may not be aware of the effects that the noise is having. Where possible discuss the problem with them, as this will often sort the matter out and also help maintain good neighbour relations.

If this does not resolve the problem, or if you feel unable to contact the person responsible, you can ask ask us to investigate the complaint on your behalf.

We will need the following information.

• Your name, address and telephone number
  (we are not able to deal with anonymous complaints but will deal with your complaint in confidence and not pass your details on without your agreement).

• The address where the noise is coming from, and the name of the person responsible for the noise (if known)..

• Details of the noise you are suffering from, together with when and how often it occurs.

• The noise diary can be used to record information about the noise and can then be returned to Pollution Control on completion.
• The Department for Environment Food and Rural affairs (defra) also has a helpful booklet entitled 'Bothered by Noise'.

Futher information

Loud music

• Most of the complaints to the service are about loud music from houses and flats, but these are not just parties going on to the early hours. Not everyone appreciates the same level or type of music, particularly if it prevents them from sleeping.
• Try to keep your music at a reasonable level, especially at night or when your doors and windows are open.
• Remember that sound travels through walls and ceilings too, especially if the sound insulation is not very good. You might consider isolating your speakers from the floor.
• In the event of serious and persistent noise disturbance this department has the power to seize and retain stereo equipment.

Noise from parties

Whilst we don't want to stop people having fun, we do have a duty to investigate and, if noise is causing a statutory nuisance, we have a duty to serve an Abatement Notice. So, we have come up with the following guidelines for party holders, which may reduce the likelihood of complaints. We still have a duty to investigate, even if you have followed this advice.

• Try to hold the party somewhere where your neighbours will not hear the music. (Should you hire a hall?)
• Warn neighbours in advance, not just those who live next door, but people across the road and those who back on to your property. This gives them the option to go away for the night, if they can. You might consider inviting them.
• Give your neighbours a finishing time, one that is reasonable, and stick to it. Even the most tolerant of neighbours won't accept being kept awake all night. Give them a number to call if they need to let you know of a problem and, if they call you, respond appropriately.
• Keep music levels down, especially the bass, and do not hire in a disco at your home. Think carefully about where you put the speakers, to minimise sound breakout and do not play loud music outdoors.
• Reduce music levels after, say, 11 p.m., when neighbours may want to sleep.
• Bring people inside before 11 p.m., even if you start the party outdoors, and close windows and doors, to control noise more easily.
• Don't invite too many people for the size of your property, and know your guests, so that you can trust them, as you will be responsible for them.
• Say goodbye indoors and ask your guests to leave quietly, without slamming your door or their car doors, on their way home.
• Do not have parties too often, as complaints are more likely when people are disturbed regularly.

Noise from barking dogs

• We receive a lot of complaints concerning barking dogs.
• This can be for a number of reasons, particularly if a dog is left alone for long periods and sometimes the owner may not realise that there is a problem.

Noise from intruder alarms

• Make sure your alarm is serviced regularly. It should cut out within twenty minutes of sounding. We keep a voluntary key holder record and encourage people to supply details so that in the event of an alarm sounding, someone can be contacted to disarm it.
• Where the keyholder is not known and the alarm has been sounding for over an hour, we have powers to obtain a warrant to enter the property and deactivate the alarm. The cost of this work will be recovered from the owner and can exceed £100.

Noise from public entertainment

• All public entertainment events are licensed by this department to ensure public safety and to prevent unreasonable noise disturbance.
• Licences may have conditions attached to them to achieve this.

Noise from DIY

• We often get complaints about about DIY and this can sometimes be very noisy. If you intend to carry out DIY, inform your neighbours in advance.
• Avoid DIY in the early morning or evening when neighbours may be trying to sleep.

Noise from Building sites

• Construction work is inevitably noisy, but Local Authorities have powers enabling them to regulate noise from construction and demolition sites. With this in mind, we may sometimes restrict the working hours of certain onsite operations at the planning stage.

Noise from car alarms

• Car alarms should be properly maintained: If an officer witnesses a car alarm sounding that is likely to be a nuisance to residents in the area, a notice can be served on the owner.
• If the owner can not be found within one hour, a contractor will be called to disconnect the alarm, but if that proves impossible the vehicle may be removed.
• The cost of this work will be recovered from the car owner.

Noise from Businesses

• Businesses must be able to show that they are using the best practicable means of preventing a noise nuisance. If a potential noise problem is identified, it may be necessary for officers to monitor the situation and determine if work practices or the machinery used are adequate. This may include pilers, drills, generators, compressors etc.
• We also investigate complaints about noise nuisance caused by vehicle movements, music, noisy fans and air handlingquipment.

The following website also provides information with regard to neighbour noise: Reducing Noise in the Home - How to be a Good Neighbour