NOISE POLLUTION

If you are disturbed by noisy neighbours, whether they are residents or commercial premises, Environmental Health Officers can give advice or investigate the matter for you.

Almost 80% of noise nuisances concern domestic properties - most commonly barking dogs, DIY work and loud music.

If you have a complaint about noise, we will normally ask you to complete a noise monitoring form for two to three weeks. If on completion, this information shows that a noise nuisance may exist, then we will attempt to gather independent evidence, either through a personal visit or setting up noise monitoring equipment to record and measure the noise.

Resolving a complaint can be done informally and we prefer to do this if possible because generally a solution can be found quickly and less hostility is created.

If an informal approach fails, then we will take statutory action. This could mean serving a notice on the offender or beginning legal proceedings if the offender fails to comply with the notice.

Burglar Alarms
Noise from burglar alarms can cause serious disturbance, so here are some simple steps to help ensure that a false alarm does not become a neighbourhood nuisance.

o Ensure your alarm is properly serviced - this will reduce the likelihood of a fault when you are not at home.

o Check with the installer that a 20 minute cut out has been fitted - this is an important measure which stops the alarm sounding after 20 minutes and can reduce serious disturbance to your neighbours.

o Make sure keyholder details are registered with the Council's Environmental Health Service so that someone can be contacted quickly if complaints are received. This is likely to become a legal requirement when new legislation is introduced in 2011.

Anyone who would like further information or would like to register their burglar alarm details should contact the Council's Environmental Health Service at Ards Borough Council for an alarm registration form, Tel: 028 9182 4050, E: environmental.health@ards-council.gov.uk or download a form here.

Links:

Barking Dogs
Environmental Health Service

Apply for Polluion Control Authorisation, Part C

Contact Julie-Anne Caughey Tel: 028 9182 4055.