Mid Beds District Council Supports Noise Action Week
- Why is Environmental Noise a Problem?
- What are the Sources of Environmental Noise?
- What is MBDC Doing to Support Noise Action Week?
- What can MBDC do about Environmental Noise Problems?
Noise Action week is a National Campaign running from the 21st - 25th May 2007 run by the Environmental Protection body the NSCA.
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 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. (NSCA)
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
- Intruder & vehicle alarms
- Fireworks
- Noise from commercial activities e.g. machinery, extract systems
- Transport noise
- Barking dogs
- Agricultural noise e.g. bird-scarers
A chart at the bottom of this page shows the number complaints made to the Council regarding noise in recent years. As you can see, the number of complaints is increasing!
What is MBDC Doing to Support Noise Action Week?
This year, MBDC is focussing on noise from Audible Intruder Alarms (commonly referred to as ‘burglar alarms’). These are installed in many types of domestic and commercial Premises. They are primarily designed to be activated by intruders, but unfortunately they are frequently activated by other causes (false alarms) including wind and other weather conditions, animals, insects, vibration and electrical problems to name a few. Also unfortunately, they are often activated at unsocial hours and can cause considerable nuisance and distress to the surrounding neighbours, particularly if the property is vacant at the time.
A chart at the bottom of this page shows the total number of noise complaints received by the Council about Intruder Alarms for 2002-2006. These numbers are also increasing.
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. Alarm owners are required to notify the Police and Local Councils of the details of nominated keyholders (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). Again there is widespread ignorance of this matter.
Because of these problems, the increase in the number of complaints and the new powers given to local councils under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, this year Mid Beds District Council is, as part of Noise Action Week, trying to increase awareness amongst alarm holders and the general public about both the problems caused by alarms and the duties and responsibilities placed on alarm holders by the relevant legislation and Codes of Practice. As part of this Mid Beds Environmental Services staff will be manning information points on the 21st – 25th May 2007 between 10.00am and 4.00pm at the following locations:
- Biggleswade Point of Presence (POP) (Saffron Road, Biggleswade)
- Ampthill Point of Presence (POP) (Woburn Street, Ampthill)
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 or 01462-611222 or sending us an email at Customer.Services@midbeds.gov.uk
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 and Planning 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.
