Neighbourhood noise
Neighbourhood Noise Strategy
84 per cent of respondents to the 'Towards a National Ambient Noise Strategy' consultation supported more action to tackle neighbourhood noise. Following the consultation on the Government's strategy to tackle ambient noise, Defra has undertaken the development of a Neighbourhood Noise Strategy.
We aim to publish a Neighbourhood Noise Strategy in 2008, with a number of consultations in the process.
The Neighbourhood Noise Strategy is being developed in consultation with a steering group. The steering group involves three groups of participants: a stakeholder group with experience of noise issues and campaigning; an expert group familiar with the enforcement and technical issues; and a Government group, with knowledge of legislation and Government policy affecting noise issues
The Neighbourhood Noise Strategy will look at ways to improve neighbourhood and neighbour noise management at national, regional and local level by, among other things:
- Measuring the incidence and impact of neighbourhood and neighbour noise problems;
- To commission, oversee, review and guide the implementation of the outcomes of research into neighbourhood and neighbour noise;
- Reviewing existing statutory provisions;
- Considering the need for new statutory provisions;
- Developing new statutory provisions where gaps are identified;
- Identifying and developing existing and new non-statutory initiatives and programmes; and
- Reviewing the neighbourhood noise enforcement practices and performance of the relevant authorities in England and Wales, and to identify opportunities and mechanisms for improvement.
In a statement to Parliament, the then Defra Minister Alun Michael said:
"A significant number of respondents (to the ambient noise strategy consultation) indicated a need for a more strategic approach to neighbour noise. I agree that there is a need for a separate Neighbour Noise Strategy and as a first step towards developing this, I am pleased to launch a study to examine neighbour noise, both from the points of view of noise makers and their victims.
The research will generate appropriate and realistic options for action to both raise awareness and influence behaviour and, with many of the proposals identified during the consultation, should provide us with a solid basis to also develop a more strategic approach to the control of neighbourhood noise."
Further information
- Find out more about taking formal action
- Bothered by noise? There's no need to suffer - useful information on how to overcome noise problems
- Is your dog barking too much? (PDF 60 KB) - helpful advice to dog owners on how to resolve complaints of dog barking without involving the authorities
- Guidance on noisy dogs
See also
- Directgov - advice on addressing the problem of noise and mediation (Directgov website)
Page last modified: 16 August 2007