Noise problems

Noise is defined as unwanted sound - it could be:

• too loud
• too intrusive
• occurring at the wrong time
• excessive, sudden and unexpected

For example:

• a dog barking
• intruder alarms
• neighbours music
• noise from commercial and licensed premises
• noise from the street or neighbouring houses

What we don't class as noise:

• baby crying
• children playing in the street
• Traffic on the public highway

The council has powers (under the Environmental Protection Act 1990) to prevent a 'statutory noise nuisance'.

If necessary we can serve an abatement notice. Failure to comply with this notice is an offence, punishable by a fine of up to £20,000 in the Magistrates Court.

If you make a formal complaint to Environmental Health your complaint details will be kept confidential.  If legal action has to be taken then you may be required to attend court to give evidence based on the completed diary sheets to support the case and you will not be able remain anonymous.

We will monitor the situation and decide if a statutory noise nuisance exists.

A licensee convicted of breaches of Environmental Protection Act 1990 also risks revocation of their personal licence/premise licence.

To help us resolve the problem, we suggest you consider the following approach:

• be prepared to listen to their reply - try to understand their point of view
• always treat the other person with the same respect that you would like them to show you
• find areas of agreement - use them as a basis for a workable solution

Constuction noise is unavoidable, but all builders and contractors should show consideration to their neighbours.

As a general rule, where residents are affected by noise or vibration, construction and demolition work will be carried out during normal working hours:

• Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm
• Sat: 8am-2pm
• Sun or bank holiday: No working

These times may not always apply, particularly work on railway lines:

• where a public transport service is needed
• for health and safety reasons
• in case of emergency

If a construction site is causing a disturbance out of these hours, or not taking reasonable steps to minimise the noise, we can serve a Section 60 Control of Pollution Notice.

This notice requires the developer to follow the British Standard for Noise and Vibration Control (BS5228).

Before demolition or construction a developer can submit a prior consent form for the work.

Download, complete the form and return it to:

Pollution Control
North Tyneside Council
Quadrant East
Silverlink North
Cobalt Business Park
North Shields
NE27 0BY