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Noise and dogs
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Noise and dogs
Unwanted noise causes
an increasing number of complaints. People have different levels of
sensitivity to sounds - but at its worst noise can lead to stress
or more serious health problems, especially for the housebound or
those who are already unwell.
Taking action
The Anti Social Behaviour Team takes the problem of noise
nuisance seriously and will help you where we can. We will
initially encourage neighbours to be considerate of each other and
to attempt to resolve disputes amicably by talking with each other.
In cases where disputes cannot be resolved we may recommend
mediation when agreed by both parties in order to resolve the
situation.
Register your complaint
It may help if you supply us with a noise diary, recording the
dates, times and other details of the nuisance over a two-week
period.
Once we recieve a complaint
On receipt of a complaint of noise we will determine whether
each reported problem could be considered a statutory nuisance.
This normally means that an officer from the council will visit to
assess the noise level. We may gather evidence by using various
means including sound recording machines or DAT machines,
photographic evidence etc.
Noise and the law
Contrary to popular belief, it is not against the law to make
excessive or unreasonable noise. We would however, encourage people
to hire more convenient places e.g. halls as house parties and
gatherings in residential areas give rise to numerous noise
complaints.
It should be noted that we have not adopted the
provisions of the Noise Act 1996 which allows for on-the-spot
fines.
We will investigate problems to do with
- Neighbour noise (stereos, radios, televisions, DIY work,
machinery)
- Barking dogs
- Noise from commercial premises such as pubs, restaurants,
factories etc
- Car alarms
- Burglar alarms
- Fireworks (in certain circumstances, see below)
Dangerous dogs
If you think that a dog is dangerous you will need to contact
the police.
Aircraft noise
Please note that we cannot help regarding aircraft noise. Nor
with sounds made by people in the street; if they are excessively
noisy you should contact the Police.
Complying with The Environment Protection Act 1990
When we take action it is in accordance with The Environmental
Protection Act 1990 which makes it an offence to emit noise from
any premises so as to be a nuisance or prejudicial to health. We
can respond by serving a notice on the offender requiring cessation
of the noise. Failure to comply can lead to prosecution and a fine,
plus daily penalties. The Act does not exclude fireworks
displays. Also it is an offence for someone under 18 to
possess fireworks in the street and nobody must let off fireworks
after 11.00pm except on 5th November when this is extended till
midnight. On 31st December, Diwali and Chinese New Year the
extension is till 1.00 am the following morning.
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