South Ayrshire Council General Enquiries |
Environmental Health
Noise and Vibration Complaints
Noise pollution is best described
as unwanted sound, and has many sources, including industry,
places of public entertainment, road, rail, air traffic and construction
sites. South Ayrshire's Environmental Protection Team investigates
complaints of noise from industrial activity, ice cream vans
and amplified music from places of entertainment such as public
houses, discos and raves.
A common source of noise complaints is from residential properties in the form of amplified music as a result of televisions or hi-fi's being played too loud. Environmental Health have trained staff who can mediate between neighbours in an attempt to resolve such disputes.
Complaints regarding audible intruder alarms misfiring can be avoided by fitting the alarm with the required 20 minute cut-off and by notifying the local police of details of the names, addresses and telephone numbers of key holders.
Another source of noise is construction work, and this is tackled by ensuring that the plant used is adequately controlled, by regulating hours of activity, and by setting suitable noise levels.
Environmental Health scrutinise plans for proposed developments to ensure that possible sources of noise nuisance are eliminated or controlled. Our observations on noise standards and conditions are taken into consideration when planning permission is sought.
Another common cause for complaint is vibration. This can occur from heavy vehicles, blasting e.g. at quarries or from construction activities such as pile driving. Environmental Health has a duty to investigate such complaints and establish through monitoring whether a statutory nuisance exists.
A dedicated 24 hour Noise Helpline - 0800 73 10 4 10 has been launched, as part of an Ayrshire wide approach to tackling domestic noise complaints at any time of the day or night.