Noise

We develop and promote initiatives to address noise and other statutory nuisance and manages research into noise. The Noise and Nuisance policy team is responsible for:

• developing policy on neighbourhood noise (other than in the workplace) and other statutory nuisance (eg dust and smells/odours, bonfire nuisance).
• developing policy on ambient noise (including a proposed National Ambient Noise Strategy - NANS);
• negotiating proposals for European legislation on environmental noise and implementing the legislation once it comes into force;
• managing noise research including noise mapping, assessing current levels and attitudes to environmental noise, a series of joint projects with the Department of Health on Noise and Health, projects connected with the proposed EC Directive on Environmental Noise and the proposed Ambient Noise Strategy and projects in response to noise and other nuisance issues;
• disseminating information on how to avoid causing annoyance to others and what to do if you have problem.

We liaise closely with other Government departments and outside organisations.

• Department for Transport covers policy controlling noise emissions from aviation, vehicles and railways;
• Department of Trade and Industry has responsibility for noise emission standards for outdoor machinery and recreational craft and for firework safety; and
• Home Office has responsibility for crime reduction and anti-social behaviour).

Latest

• 28 June 2006 - Consultation on draft guidance and proposals for the permitted levels of noise under the Noise Act 1996 published.
• 9 March 2006 - Good Practice Guide for Strategic Noise Mapping and the Production of Associated Data on Noise Exposure
  European Commission Working Group Assessment of Exposure to Noise (WG-AEN) - second position paper
• 1 March 2006 - In November 2005, Rupert-Taylor Ltd. were awarded the contract to research local authorities’ use of noise abatement notices under section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Other information and documents

• Consultation on proposals to transpose and implement Directive 2002/49/EC on the assessment and management of environmental noise (the Environmental Noise Directive) (Closed on 16 May 2005)
• Consultation: Towards a National Ambient Noise Strategy (Closed on 15 March 2002)
• Noise research list 2004/2005 (within the Environmental Protection Group research newsletter)

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