Noise

What is noise?

Sound is an essential part of our daily lives and can arise from a wide range of sources or activities including speech, music, animals, equipment, movement within the home etc. Often sound is considered to be normal or even pleasurable, however, on occasions it can cause annoyance and this unwanted sound is referred to as noise.

Whilst exposure to very high levels of noise can affect hearing, lower levels may also affect health by increasing the anxiety or stress levels of the person subjected to the noise. Further problems may develop if the noise prevents sleep, and can have serious consequences if the person affected has to drive, operate machinery etc whilst in a tired or anxious state.

What are the most common sources of noise?

• Barking Dogs
• Stereos
• Televisions
• General Household Noise (e.g. banging doors, footsteps, shouting)
• DIY
• Regular Parties
• Musical Instruments
• Misfiring Alarms
• Construction/Demolition and Road Works
• Industrial and Agricultural Noise
• Pubs, Clubs, Village Halls etc.

The latter three are commercial sources, which are dealt with by the Work Environment Team and covered in the Nuisances from Commercial Premises or Activities section of the website.

We cannot deal with noise from normal traffic movements, however, we may be able to deal with unreasonable noise from vehicles particularly if they are used on private land. Such matters would be dealt with either by the Home Environment Team if the vehicles are used on residential property or the Work Environment Team in other cases. Please see our section on Nuisance Motorcycles. The Police have broader powers to deal with nuisance vehicles and are keen to tackle problems particularly with off-road motorcycles.

What can I do to avoid disturbing others with noise?

The likelihood of a given level of noise disturbing neighbours will depend on:

• The time of day (or night)
• The duration of the noise
• How regular the noise is
• The type of noise (screeches, whines, and sudden noises can be more disturbing)
• The nature of the area (i.e. rural or urban)
• The type of property (i.e. detached or flats)

On the last point, the extent to which noise travels between properties will depend on their construction and sound insulation. In some circumstances (particularly in flats) where walls, ceilings etc may be thin, a certain level of noise from neighbours should be expected and accepted as being normal, but by the same token residents should be considerate and bear in mind that noise that they create may be heard by neighbours. Remember, if you can hear everyday noise coming from your neighbour’s home they can probably hear you also.

In order to minimise the chances of causing disturbance to your neighbours the following measures can be taken:

• Keep the volume of music, radio and television as low as possible, especially late at night. Alternatively, headphones can be used, although be careful not to deafen yourself by having the volume up too high.
• If you intend on having a party, warn your neighbours in advance, and keep the noise to a minimum, particularly if late at night.
• Apologise in advance to neighbours for disturbance caused by DIY, and try to carry out the noisier jobs during sociable hours.
• If your dog barks when left alone try to give it some company by leaving it with a friend, taking it to work (if applicable), leaving a radio on (but not so loud that it causes disturbance to neighbours) etc.
• If you have an old or faulty intruder alarm, replace it with one that complies with British Standard BS 4737. We can supply you with keyholder notification forms for you to complete and return to us.
• Site noisy household equipment such as washing machines away from party walls.
• When buying a new household appliance, opt for a quiet version.
• Hiring practice rooms for band rehearsals, or fitting practice pads when practising drums.
• Improving the sound insulation in your home.

How can the Council help with my complaint about noise?

Environmental Services can take action under Section 80 of The Environmental Protection Act 1990 in cases where noise constitutes a statutory nuisance. Whether or not noise constitutes a statutory nuisance depends on several factors, including, the loudness, the duration of the noise episodes, how regularly they occur, and whether they would interfere with the “average” person's reasonable enjoyment of their property.

Although there is no official time when people are allowed to make noise until, the time of day (or night) does have a bearing on whether noise constitutes a statutory nuisance. For instance, a level of noise that would not interfere with watching/listening to television or holding a conversation during the day or early evening (activities an "average" person may be expected to be doing at that time), but prevents someone on shiftwork from sleeping during the day, would not constitute a statutory nuisance. However, if it occurred later in the evening at a level that would prevent someone from sleeping then it may do.

Can the Council deal with noise in the street?

The Council can deal with complaints relating to noise coming vehicles, machinery or equipment in the street, however, this excludes normal traffic noise. The most common problems with noise coming from the street that we deal with are noisy car stereos and alarms.

We are unable to deal with noise from youths or children playing in the street. Disturbances in public areas are usually dealt with by the Police and therefore you should contact them on 01234-841212 to see if they are able to assist. An   Anti-social Behaviour Reduction Officer (based at Ampthill Police Station) has been employed to deal with issues relating to anti-social behaviour, and therefore cases may be referred to them by relevant authorities.

Further information on how we deal with complaints about noise nuisance, or how you could take action yourself.