Noise Pollution Guidelines - Swale Borough Council

What the Council will do to
investigate complaints of noise
• We are required by law to investigate complaints
concerning noise nuisances. If a complaint is
made against you we will contact you either by
visiting or writing to inform you of the complaint.
• The person making the complaint will be asked
to log the noise incidents. They will be supplied
with contact details to report noise complaints
both during and outside office hours, an officer
will always try to attend and witness the noise
being complained of.
• If the council were unable to witness the
noise we would consider the use of a noise
recording device to be left at the neighbours
premises for them to record the noise
incidents.
• If this noise amounted to a Statutory Nuisance
(a serious prolonged noise problem), then
the council can take action under the
Environmental Protection Act 1990, for a
Statutory Nuisance.
The action could include one or more of
the following.
• The Serving of a legal document, called an
Abatement Notice.
• Prosecution for failing to comply with such
a notice, with fines currently up to £5,000
(£20,000 for trade or business premises).
• Obtaining a warrant from a Magistrates Court
for seizure of the noise making equipment.
Disconnection of misfiring intruder alarms
fitted to buildings or vehicles causing a
Statutory Nuisance. Any expenses incurred
by the council can be recovered from the
person responsible for the noise.
• If you would like further advice or guidance
please contact the Environmental Services
Department at the address shown overleaf.
further Information
Environmental Services Department
Swale Borough Council
Swale House
East Street
Sittingbourne
Kent ME10 3HT
Telephone: 01795 417850
Email: ert@swale.gov.uk
Website: www.swale.gov.uk
Swale Borough Council out of hours
noise reporting line: 07881817601
Kent Police
Telephone: 01622 690690
Department for Environment,
Food & Rural Affairs
(DEFRA)
Telephone: 0845 9335577
Website: www.defra.gov.uk
Published & Printed on
Environmentally Friendly Paper
© Swale Borough Council - January 2008
Environmental Services
Noise Pollution
Guidelines
Keeping The Peace

Introduction
What can you do
Most of us have experienced a noise
problem at one time or another, whether
it be from a commercial, or industrial
premises, or the neighbour next door.
Nearly everybody makes noise from time
to time and good neighbourly relations often
involve a degree of ‘Live and Let Live’. The
occasional noisy party, loud hi fi, or dog barking
may need to be taken in our stride.
However, when the noise becomes regular,
prolonged, or is just too loud then it begins to
affect other peoples lives. It can disturb their
peace and quiet as well as sleep. Excessive
noise often prevents peoples enjoyment of
their own home.
Most people are anxious to avoid upsetting
their neighbours and by following the advice
and guidance contained in this leaflet you can
enjoy your premises without upsetting your
neighbours.
Be considerate and keep the peace with
your neighbours.
DIY Noise and Car Repairs
Consider what you are doing and how noisy
it will be. If the noise is necessary, such as
the use of power tools for DIY or repairs to
vehicles, let your neighbours know. Do not
start too early or finish too late. Try to have
regular breaks to minimise the impact of the
noise and keep the really noisy part of the work
to reasonable times of the day.
Televisions Radios
& Music Systems
Keep the volume of such equipment as low as
possible and consider the use of headphones.
If the unit is fitted with a bass control try to
reduce this as much as possible as bass beat
can be very irritating. At night keep all noise
levels to an absolute minimum. Do not fix
loudspeakers to a party wall.
If you play a musical instrument do not practice
in the early morning or late at night. If the unit
uses an amplifier turn it down or preferably use
personal headphones.
Motor Vehicles and Motor Cycles
When using motor vehicles do not rev the
engines excessively. Close car doors quietly
and only use the car horn in an emergency.
Do not race around the streets and if playing
car stereos keep the volume low and windows
shut. If your vehicle is fitted with an alarm
ensure this is regularly maintained to
prevent false activations.
Domestic Appliances
When siting noisy domestic appliances such
as washing machines and tumble dryers try to
keep them away from party walls and if they
are particularly noisy use the equipment during
the daytime. When carrying out noisy jobs
such as vacuuming or mowing the lawn do it at
a reasonable time.
Intruder Alarms
Misfiring intruder alarms cause a great deal
of distress to a neighbourhood, (there is an
approved code of practice, available from
DEFRA which give guidelines about their
installation and use). You should ensure that the
alarm is regularly maintained and fitted with a
twenty minute cut out device. You should also
notify Swale Council,and the police of keyholders
who are available to attend promptly to deal with
the alarm in your absence. Swale Council can
be contacted on 01795 417850
Late Night Partying
When you have a party or barbecue let your
neighbours know. Keep the music as low as
possible particularly as the evening draws on.
When the party finishes ensure that people go
home quietly.
Dogs
If you have a dog do not let it bark or whine for
long periods. If the dog still barks when you are
away then make arrangements to leave it with a
friend or try to keep it indoors with a radio
playing at a low level. For further information
contact the councils Animal Control Officer
on 01795 417850
General Noise
When you close doors do not slam them, walk
rather than run up the stairs, particularly during
the early hours. If children are playing outside,
ensure they do not cause excessive disturbance,
especially by throwing or kicking balls against the
walls of neighbouring properties.
People do need a rest from noise from time to
time and we would suggest that unavoidable
noisy activities are carried out between:
8.00am to 7pm Weekdays &
Saturdays, 10.00am to 5pm Sundays