NOISE
POLLUTION
For many people noise is a
source of irritation and stress. It can cause sleep disturbance
of interfere
with an individual’s right to peace and quiet at home. But
for a Belfast listener, it’s not barking dogs, loud music
or blaring horns, it’s the wooden floors on the apartment
above, are creating a huge noise nuisance, day and night.
On Your Behalf talks to the Pollution Control Division and Building
Control departments of Belfast City Council and asks is there protection
in law for this sort of noise?
Noise disturbance arises from
a wide range of sources including noisy neighbours, barking dogs,
entertainment
premises and building
work. For many people, noise is a source of irritation and stress.
It can cause sleep disturbance or interfere with an individual’s
right of peace and quiet at home. Belfast City Council is now providing
a noise complaint service.
The Solution
It’s a good idea to
politely explain the problem to the noise maker and try to come
to a compromise
if you can. However,
this informal approach may be unsuccessful and some people may
not be prepared to speak directly to the noise maker. You can also
contact Council Noise Control Officers who are there to help you
and can take action on your behalf.
The Council recognises that many people are disturbed by noise
in the evenings and at night, particularly when trying to get to
sleep. In order to provide a better response, Belfast City Council
has introduced an evening/night time noise complaint service in
addition to the normal daytime service. If you are disturbed by
noise call the Noise Hot Line - 028 9037 3006.
Noise Control Officers need
direct evidence of the noise problem so it’s important
to contact them when the noise is affecting you. If staff are
busy, please
leave a message and they will get
in touch with you as soon as possible. Every reasonable effort
will be made to witness the noise, take measurements if required
and independently and professionally assess your complaint.
What Happens Next
The action will depend on
the extent of the problem and where the noise is coming from.
Where necessary,
it may be possible to
issue a legal notice requiring action to be taken to deal with
the noise nuisance. In addition there are special controls to deal
with noise from domestic premises at night. Neighbours causing
unreasonable noise at night will generally be given a warning notice
If this warning is ignored and unacceptable noise continues, a £100
spot fine can be issued. If the noise still does not stop or the
fine is not paid, the noise maker can be taken to court and fined
up to £5,000. In extreme cases, stereo systems and other
equipment can also be seized.
What You Can Do To Help
All of us are sometimes bothered by noise and we all make noise.
If we gave a bit more thought to when, where and how we carry out
everyday activities, there could be fewer complaints. We all need
to be reasonable to live together. Be a considerate neighbour and
accept that there may be times when we have no legal control over
the problem or may be unable to resolve it. Do contact Belfast
City Council as soon as you are aware of a noise problem you want
help with. You may be required to keep a written record of dates/times
of any disturbances.
Confidentiality
You will be required to give your name and address as anonymous
complaints cannot be investigated. However, your complaint is confidential
and the noise maker will not be told who has complained about them.
If the matter goes to Court, your identity may have to be revealed,
but you can decide if you want things to go that far.
Noise Agency
Belfast City Council Pollution Control Division
The Cecil Ward Building
4010 Linenhall Street
Belfast BT2 8BP
Tel: 9027 0428
If you live in Belfast
call the Noise Hotline on
Tel:028 90373006.
Mediation Northern Ireland is a voluntary organisation with
charity status. Tel: 028 9043 8614
If you live outside Belfast, contact your Local District Council
Environmental Health Department.
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