Noise
The Pollution team at East Hampshire District Council investigates noise complaints of any nature, including noise from neighbours, building sites, entertainment and commercial activities. We are here to offer advice on sound reduction measures.
Whilst we can deal with most types of noise, we do not have any legal powers to deal with noise from traffic, aircraft, railways and from people shouting in the street.
In noise complaints there is no maximum noise limit that applies, each case must be judged on its individual merits. We will take into consideration factors such as:
- the time of the noise
- the duration of the noise
- the frequency of the noise
- the type of noise
- whether there is societal acceptance (e.g. bonfire night or church bells)
It is the Environmental Health Officer, rather than the complainant, who makes the decision on whether noise is a nuisance. Case law requires us to act as the "standard person" when reaching the decision. Therefore we cannot take into account those who have a different or higher expectation of peace e.g. shift workers or people who are studying/ ill.
Noisy Neighbours
Noise from neighbours is a common source of disturbance, and for some people it can be very upsetting. The main problems are caused by barking dogs, loud music or TV, shouting, banging doors and DIY activities. Remember that no house or flat is totally soundproof – everyone can expect a degree of noise from neighbours. If you are being disturbed by noise form neighbours, there could be three reasons:-
- The neighbours may be behaving unreasonably, for instance by playing loud music late at night or allowing their dog to bark all day.
- The neighbours may be behaving normally, but the sound insulation in the floors or walls between you may not be good enough to cut out the sounds of everyday living.
- You may have become over sensitive to the noise, particularly if you do not get on with your neighbours.
Some people will tune in to the noise from next door, and find it annoying even when most other people would not.
For more information regarding the complaint process click on the following
link.
Audible Intruder Alarms
As the risk of theft from homes and businesses is rising, the installation of audible intruder alarms is on the increase. Faults can develop with anti-theft devices and persistent sounding of an alarm can cause considerable disturbance and distress to local residents. A detailed review of the law regarding intruder alarms has been provided, please click on the following
link.
Car Alarm
Under the Environmental Protection 1990, if a car alarm is sounding and causing a nuisance to people living in the area we have the power to break into a car and disable the alarm. To take action we would require the following information: (i) details of the car, including the registration number, colour, make etc. (ii) location of the vehicle (iii) how long the alarm has been sounding. Please note that the procedure is quite time consuming and may take a couple of hours before the alarm is deactivated.
Builders
There are no specific hours of work laid down, however, the builders may be restricted by conditions on their Planning permission. If not we would generaly apply a 'rough rule of thumb' the hours of 07:30-18:00 Mondays to Fridays, 08:00-13:00 Saturdays and not at all on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Pub Noise
If the pub has late night disco it is worth reporting it to Environmental Health as the pub will have a licence and there may be restrictions on the type of events that can take place. Also keep a record of the disturbance over the course of a few weeks, detailing duration, frequency and how the noise affects you. If you provide us with this information we will investigate whether a statutory nuisance is being created.
Road Noise
If the noise level of a road in close proximity to your house has increased you may be entitled to compensation. However, this is only likely to be the case if the road has recently been built and consequently led to an increase in the local noise levels. You should contact the Highways Department at Hampshire County Council and discuss the matter with them. If your complaint is regarding an existing road there is currently no legislation in place that allows us to deal with noise from vehicles on the highway.