Noise Emitted from Premises

Industrial and Commercial Noise Sources

The following types of noise cannot normally be dealt with under the provisions of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011:

Domestic Noise

Noise complaints in relation to domestic noise sources can be reported to health&[email protected]  or by telephoning the Health, Housing & Public Conveniences Team on 02871253253.

Commercial of Industrial Noise

Noise sources arising from commercial and industrial sources can be reported to [email protected] . or by telephoning the Environment and Neighbourhoods Team on 02871253253.


Main Categories of Noise Nuisance

Barking Dogs
All dogs bark, but loud, persistent and incessant barking and whining which is audible in neighbouring property can cause a nuisance and lead to problems. If you are having problems with a barking dog, speak to the owner first before making a formal complaint. The problem may be caused by a dog being left on its own for long periods of time, so your neighbour may not be aware of the problem. If this doesn’t help contact us and we will log your complaint and instigate an investigation.

If you submit a formal complaint, we will ask you to keep a record (noise diary) of the dates and times of each disturbance. This helps our officers to work out the best time to visit to witness the noise, which is important, as this evidence may be needed if legal action is required. You can also download the Noise App (Link to Noise App page)  to your smartphone and record examples of the noise which you are experiencing and send these recordings directly to council. We will write to your neighbour to advise them that we are investigating the noise. Council may also arrange to have recording equipment left at your house.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011, we can serve a Noise Abatement Notice on the person responsible if we are satisfied that the noise being complained of is a Statutory Nuisance. This gives the person a time limit to reduce the noise but, if it continues, they could face prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000.

Additional advice is contained in this advice leaflet (Link) .


Loud Music/TV/Regular Parties
There is no time frame as to when a residential noise becomes a statutory nuisance. Some people believe they can play music and make noise until 11 pm. This isn’t true. A statutory nuisance is something that, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, affects a person’s health or causes disturbance to them in their property.

A one-off party would not be classed as a statutory nuisance.

Often, people are not aware of the issue they may be causing and a friendly chat with them usually works.


House/Security Alarms
House alarms are an effective way of protecting properties only if they are installed and maintained properly. However, faulty or misfiring alarms can be annoying to neighbours, especially when the occupiers are not at the property and the alarm rings for prolonged periods.

Council have powers to deal with noisy alarms.  If the prolonged ringing of an alarm is causing a noise nuisance, the Council may take legal action to resolve the disturbance and prevent it from recurring. Alarm owners are required by law to reimburse the Council for the cost of any action taken to silence the alarm and may also be prosecuted for causing a nuisance. To avoid causing a noise nuisance alarm owners should ensure that alarms are kept in good working order.


Noise from Construction & Demolition Sites
Construction and demolition works are usually noisy and can take place in areas that are normally quiet. A certain amount of noise is expected from construction and building operations, which can rarely be prevented, but can be disturbing.
Common complaints about construction and demolition sites relate to the hours of working. As a guideline work should normally only take place only between these hours:

Monday - Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 8am - 1pm
Sunday and bank holidays: no work

These recommended times may be extended to 7.30am if there are no noisy activities on Saturdays. Workers may arrive at site 30 minutes prior, but no noisy work should be done outside these times unless changed by prior agreement, and noise should be kept to a minimum in the first hour. Contractors planning to undertake construction or demolition work can consult the Environmental Health, Protection and Development Service for further information before proceeding. Contractors should also inform local residents prior to particularly noisy activities and provide contact details.


Good practice guidelines for contractors
It is in everyone’s interest to try to anticipate potential problems and plan ways to avoid them. Good public relations will help minimise complaints – keeping local residents and businesses informed about what is happening on the site will help. People are more tolerant if they know why the work is necessary; when it will start and finish each day; and how long it will take.

The law requires that Best Practical Means (BPM) must be used to minimise noise. Contractors can obtain guidance from British Standard 5228 – “Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites”.
Contractors should always:

 

Public Entertainment Noise
Domestic premises close to a public entertainment venue can sometimes be disturbed by noise nuisance arising from the music within the premises and/or the patrons entering and leaving the premises. The Entertainments license of the venue will specify conditions to ensure that unreasonable disturbance is not caused to nearby residents. Non-compliance with these conditions could result in the license being removed. Noise complaints relating to noise from Entertainment Premises should be sent to the following email address [email protected]


Industrial Commercial Noise
Noise from commercial or industrial premises can disturb people living and working nearby, particularly at night-time.

Examples of commercial or industrial noise problems we can investigate are –

Examples of commercial or industrial noise problems we cannot investigate –

We can act on excessive levels of noise from commercial or industrial properties if they are considered to be a statutory noise nuisance. We may need to monitor the noise complained of from within your home or premises.

We may also liaise with the Council's Planning Service to check if any planning conditions are in place and if they are potentially being breached.


Agricultural Noise (e.g. bird scarers)
An example of Agricultural Noise is noise generated by the irresponsible use of bird scarers in fields. 

The use of bird scarers is not illegal. They are, however, deemed essential in protecting certain crops. If a farmer or landowner is using such devices, they must ensure that they are not causing a statutory nuisance to others and that they are used in accordance with the code of practice produced by the National Farmers Union (NFU). The code of practice has been designed to provide advice and guidance to farmers and landowners on how to use bird scaring devices in an appropriate manner minimising the disturbance.

As a general guide bird scarers should: