NATIONAL NOISE ADVICE LINE
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If you are disturbed by domestic noise because of poor sound insulation, case law means that your Council doesn't have to deal with your complaint. |
Fact: Absolutely not! There is no confusion at all in this area. Since 2004, all Council's have a duty to identify and deal with Category 1 and 2 hazards in relation to psychological hazards from noise. This includes noise from outside a dwelling or from one dwelling entering another. |
All advice provided relates solely to professional matters in accordance with the statutory defined role of Environmental Health Practitioners, for the assessment of conditions that can give rise to nuisance or impact adversely on public health. Any such advice should not be construed as legal representation or advocacy on behalf of any party.
Psychological Hazards |
The best understood effects of noise are psychological disturbances and physiological changes resulting from annoyance and sleep disturbance. Typical health effects are stress responses, sleep disorders, and lack of concentration. Headaches, anxiety and irritability are also associated with noise induced stress and the effect of sleep disturbance may also affect the mood the following day. Extreme psychological outcomes include suicide and assault due to aggravation over noise (ODPM 2004). The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS); Housing Act 2004 is the statutory minimum standard for housing which applies to all housing stock in England, whether council housing, other social sector housing, or private sector housing. If you are a public or private landlord and your tenants or neighbouring occupiers complain of noise from everyday domestic activities, then your property may contain Category 1 hazards. Similarly if you own your home and are affected by noise from another dwelling or a neighbour complains about unwanted noise even though you are behaving in an reasonable way, then it could be that your property is giving rise to Psychological Hazards from noise. Local Authorities have the power to serve Hazard Awareness Notices and Improvement Notices under the Housing Act 2004. To find out more about duties, responsibilities and rights under HHSRS and the Housing Act 2004
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