Noise

Sound is essential to our daily lives, but noise is not - noise can be defined as unwanted sound. It is a source of irritation and stress for many people and can even damage our hearing if it is loud enough.

A nuisance is often difficult to establish but, generally speaking, if something is unreasonable to the average person, a court might decide it is a statutory nuisance. Noise nuisance is covered by Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Listed below are some types of noise that may be regarded as a nuisance.

Noise Pollution

• Audible Intruder Alarms
• Aviation noise
• Barking Dogs
• Bird Scarers
• Commercial or Industrial premises
• Construction Works
• Loudspeakers in the Street
• Neighbour Noise
• Noise from Crowing Cockerels

Noise and Planning

The Environmental Health team are currently reviewing our guidance for applicants and developers, it is hoped this will be completed in the second half of 2023. In the meantime, applicants are encouraged to contact the Environmental Health team to discuss their methodologies at the earliest opportunity.