Noise Action Week 19th - 23rd May 2008

 

What is Noise Action Week?

Noise Action week is a National Campaign for the period 19th – 23rd May 2008 run by the Environmental Protection body, Environmental Protection UK. It is run every year with the aim of promoting increased awareness of noise and its impact on the environment, people and their health.

Noise Action Week is widely supported by both Central & Local Government, with many councils undertaking a variety of initiatives to increase public awareness of Environmental Noise issues.

Why is Environmental Noise a Problem?

Noise has been described as “unwanted sound”. Environmental noise can impact on people’s lives and normal daily activities, and more importantly in extreme cases it can adversely impact on people’s health. The effects of such noise depends on factors such as the intensity, frequency, duration and the type of noise.

Exposure to unwanted environmental noise can produce a range of effects; from interference with normal daily activities through to prolonged loss of sleep and the creation of an oppressive living environment. Exposure can also result in a range of adverse health effects from general annoyance to stress, anxiety and depression.

It is a sad fact that according to research, two out of three people in England, Scotland and Wales hear noise from neighbours. For a third of us, noise can cause problems and for one in seven it affects our quality of life. (EPUK)

What are the Sources of Environmental Noise?

Most sources of Environmental Noise are man-made. The list below shows various sources of environmental noise that are common causes of complaint to local authorities, although this list is by no means exhaustive:

• Neighbour noise e.g. loud music, DIY activities
• Noise from pubs, clubs & other licensed premises
• Intruder & vehicle alarms
• Fireworks
• Noise from commercial activities e.g. machinery, extract systems
• Transport noise
• Barking dogs
• Agricultural noise e.g. bird-scarers

The chart below shows the number complaints made to the Council regarding noise in recent years. As you can see, the number of complaints in recent years has increased notably!

What is MBDC Doing to Support Noise Action Week?

This year, MBDC is focussing on two key areas with regards to Environmental Noise. The Home Environment Team are focussing on promoting good neighbourly behaviour. The Work Environment Team are concentrating on reducing the impact of noise from Licensed Premises, which include pubs, clubs & town/village halls.

Good Neighbourly Behaviour

We want to raise awareness of how the actions of individuals can affect the quiet of their neighbours and also suggest some tips for peaceful co-existence. Officers will be manning information points at the following places;

• Waitrose, Ampthill on Monday 19th May and Thursday 22nd May between 10 am and 2pm
• Sainsbury, Biggleswade on Tuesday 20th May and Wednesday 21st May between 10am and 2pm

A particular problem can be the noise caused by false activations of audible intruder alarms. To reduce the degree of disturbance it is good practice to fit a 20 minute cut out which will switch the alarm off after 20 minutes and many alarms are indeed fitted with these cut outs. Unfortunately not all are so fitted and even when they are, they sometimes malfunction. We will also be asking people to check that they have notified the Police or Local Authority with the details of nominated key holders (people who have a key to the property and who are able to come out  to deactivate the alarm in the absence of the occupant). If not there will be an opportunity to  complete a notification form at the stalls.

Information will be available on the issue of alarms and many other issues, but if you have a particular query about a noise issue then staff will be happy to discuss it with you. Alternatively, you can report a particular problem with noise to the council by calling 08452 30 40 40.

Noise from Licensed Premises

Licensed premises form an important part of the social fabric and culture of the United Kingdom. However, whilst these provide a wide variety of social entertainment events to some of the general public, they can also be a source of noise that can cause disturbance, annoyance and even nuisance to neighbouring residents.

Mid Beds District Council received 59 noise complaints in 2007 about noise from Licensed Premises. This is an increase from 54 complaints in 2005 & 51 in 2006 regarding noise from licensed premises. Furthermore, the Government have recently expanded powers available to Local Authorities to deal with night noise offences from dwellings under the Noise Act 1996  (i.e. noise from properties arising between 2300 to 0700) to include noise from Licensed Premises.

As a result, we are seeking to raise awareness of noise issues with Landlords, Designated Premises Supervisors & other responsible persons who run licensed premises, and to make them aware of these new enforcement powers. We have produced a guidance leaflet to provide advice on controlling noise from Licensed Premises, and we will be sending a copy of this with an advisory letter to all licensed premises within our district. We are also inviting all Landlords or other responsible  persons to contact us to arrange a free advisory visit to their premises to discuss what they can do to reduce the impact of noise from their premises.

What can MBDC do about Environmental Noise Problems?

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (as amended), the Council has a duty to investigate complaints received regarding an alleged noise nuisance. Officers from the Council’s Environmental Services Division have powers to take action where it is established after investigation that a noise nuisance is being caused, or is likely to occur or recur.

The Council also has discretionary powers to deal with noise coming from dwellings or Licensed Premises between the hours of 2300 to 0700 under the Noise Act 1996. These powers are in addition to our statutory nuisance powers but can only be used where the specified criteria for a night noise offence are met. 

Further information on how the Council investigates complaints of alleged noise nuisance.