Noise Nuisance

Scenic Acoustic Vibration Engineering Ltd (SAVE) can advise on noise nuisance from the complainant’s perspective, or that of the noise emitter where planning conditions by the developer have to be fulfilled.

Noise can constitute a statutory nuisance and it is subject to the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and other relevant law. This includes noise affecting the amenities of the development such as balconies and gardens.

When assessing whether a statutory nuisance exists, local authorities will consider a number of relevant factors, including the noise level, its duration, how often it occurs, the time of day or night that it occurs and the ‘character of the locality’. The factors influencing the ‘character of the locality’ may include long-established sources of noise in the vicinity – for example, church bells, industrial premises, music venues, public houses or airfields, and whether they are constant or intermittent.

Local authorities have a duty to take such steps as are reasonably practicable to investigate a statutory nuisance complaint. It is a matter for them whether they take further formal action to remedy a statutory nuisance.

SAVE offer the following noise nuisance services:

• Measuring and assessing noise against the current British Standards BS4142
• Dealing with low frequency noise complaints and identifying their source.
• Advice on suppression and control of noise from industrial and commercial applications
• Long term monitoring of residual noise, background noise and specific noise sources