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Noise
Noise Pollution
The Pollution Control & Local Government (N.I) Order 1978 imposes a duty on District Councils through their Environmental Health Officers to deal with noise nuisances, which arise in their areas.
Noise Sources
Sources of noise are wide ranging, and include industrial/commercial developments, construction sites, public entertainment venues and domestic premises.
Domestic Noise Nuisances
Almost 80% of nuisances investigated arise from domestic properties. Complaints received include those concerning noise from barking dogs, DIY work and amplified music, below is some information and advice on avoiding noisy neighbours, or avoiding annoying your neighbour.
Why Noise Annoys?
Almost 80% of noise nuisances investigated in North Down Borough Council area arise from domestic properties. Complaints received include those concerning noise from barking dogs, DIY work and amplified music. If only we all liked the same sounds - and at the same time - life would be so much simpler. But we don't. When it comes to the everyday sounds of a busy neighbourhood, we each have different lifestyles, different tastes and different tolerances.
What's music to your ears could well be 'that awful row' to your neighbour; nocturnal vacuuming may suit your lifestyle, but it's giving the person in the flat below sleepless nights; and your dog barking after you've left for work is slowly driving the young mother next door crazy.
If you can hear the stereo being played upstairs, chances are your neighbour can hear it too.
Some noise is unavoidable - but there are simple ways to avoid disturbing others and positive steps you can take if you're fed up with suffering in silence.
How to be a Considerate Neighbour (Tips for Keeping the peace)
Stereo and TV:
Think about the volume or use headphones. Pull the TV and speakers away from your neighbour's walls. Raise them from the floor if possible.
Household Chores:
Consider not mowing the lawn or starting the DIY at the crack of dawn. You may be an early riser, but others could be trying to get some rest. Night birds should equally think about doing their vacuuming or washing at less 'anti-social' hours.
Parties:
If you're planning a party, your neighbours are likely to be much more understanding if you warn them well in advance - you might even invite them. Either way, don't ruin their evening - and encourage guests to be equally respectful.
Dogs:
Dogs may bark because they are lonely. Constant barking or whining can be disturbing to your neighbours. A well-trained dog will not bark unnecessarily.
What to do if you have a problem with noise.
In the first instance try talking to your neighbours. A radical idea perhaps, but people are often happy to reduce the noise once they realise it is causing others problems. The informal approach is normally the preferred option, as this tends to resolve the problem faster and creates less hostility between the parties. This approach may include structured mediation on behalf of the individuals concerned by the environmental health department.
What is the procedure for more formal action?
When a complaint is received, the Environmental Health Officer will normally ask the complainant to complete a noise monitoring form over a period of two to three weeks. If on completion, this information indicates that a statutory noise nuisance may exist, the officer will attempt to gather independent evidence. This can be accomplished by a personal visit from the officer or by setting up noise monitoring equipment to record and measure the offending noise.
Formal action that can be taken to resolve the problem includes the serving of a statutory notice, and the Council may Institute legal proceedings in the magistrate's courts if there is non- compliance with the notice, that is, if the noise persists after the notice has been served. In the case of N.I.H.E. property the incidence of noise nuisances will be reported to the Executive who may invoke their own action under the tenancy agreement.
Investigation Process
When a complaint is received, the Environmental Health Officer will normally ask the complainant to complete a noise monitoring form over a period of two to three weeks. If on completion, this information indicates that a statutory noise nuisance may exist, the officer will attempt to gather independent evidence. This can be accomplished by a personal visit from the officer or by setting up noise monitoring equipment to record and measure the offending noise.
Resolving Complaints
Resolution of a noise nuisance can either be dealt with on an informal or statutory basis. The informal approach is normally the preferred option, as this tends to resolve the problem faster and creates less hostility between the parties. This approach may include structured mediation. Formal action, which can be taken to resolve the problem, includes the serving of a statutory notice and the institution of legal proceedings in the magistrate's courts if there is non- compliance with the notice.
Industrial/Commercial Noise Nuisances
Occasionally, noise complaints concerning commercial or industrial noise sources are received. The Environmental Health Officer will ensure where a nuisance is established, that all reasonable and practical steps are taken by the person responsible to ensure that the noise levels are controlled at a suitable level. Any resulting formal action where a statutory noise notice has been served may be followed up by court action.
For advice on Noise Pollution contact Gordon McMillan on 028 9127 0371 or e-mail env.services@northdown.gov.uk
