FAQ's
How loud can I play my music?
There is no set level. It will depend whether anyone is likely to be disturbed by the noise. As a guide if you close the door to the room where the music is playing and the music can still be heard in the adjacent rooms then it is likely that your neighbour can hear it too.
Are there set times I can play my music?
There are no set times. It depends whether you are causing nuisance. Daytime noise is more likely to be tolerated than night time noise.
Construction noise, DIY - hours of work
Noisy construction work from tradesman/builders should normally be carried out during the following hours applying best practical means (the right tools for the job not entailing excessive costs): Mon to Fri 08:00 till 18:00, Sat 08:00 till 13:00, Sundays and Bank Holidays at no time. DIY (do it yourself) is not restricted to these hours and each case is judged individually, taking into account frequency or works, type of work, how late/early the works take place.
I have a burglar alarm should I tell anyone?
The Public Health Team have the power to disconnect alarms if they frequently misfire and obtain warrants where necessary to enter premises - the bill for this will be charged to the owner. It is therefore important to notify the Public Health Team of two keyholders who can be contacted when you are unavailable. The Notification of Alarm or Key Holder Form| is available here.
What can be done about noisy fans, extractors, mechanical plant?
Mechanical plant at commercial or industrial premises is often located near residential premises. When assessing whether a noise from mechanical plant is a nuisance The Public Health Section refers to a British Standard, taking into consideration any intrusive, tonal components. For more advice please contact us
What can be done about normal neighbour noise?
Noise nuisance law cannot be used to resolve certain noise problems. These include cases of noise:
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Caused by a person who can not be held criminally responsible for their actions, e.g. young children or the mentally ill;
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Arising from ordinary domestic use, e.g. vacuuming during the day or toilet flushing, unless the noise is especially unusual or unreasonable
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Normal domestic noise arising from poor sound insulation
The Public Health Section can provide information on how to improve the sound insulation in your premises and in certain circumstances refer your case for mediation. Mediation may be the most effective way to resolve neighbour issues.
What can be done about sound insulation?
The Public Health Section can not force landlords, owners or occupiers to improve the sound insulation in their premises. However we can provide leaflets and information methods of insulation should you wish to undertake the works. Where this is not an option we recommend mediation between the parties involved. Please contact the noise team for further advice.
What can I do about low frequency noise?
Low frequency noise is often difficult to detect due to the long wave of the sound it can emanate from many miles away. The guide produced by DEFRA, available here is a useful starting point - please contact The Public Health Section for further advice.
What can the Council do about firework noise?
The Fireworks Regulations 2004 are enforced by the Police. They prohibit anyone under 18 from possessing fireworks in a public place, and anyone except professionals from possessing display fireworks. These regulations also prohibit the use of fireworks at night (11pm - 7am), with extensions for the following festivals:
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Until 1.00am on the night of the Chinese New Year;
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Until 1.00am on the night of Diwali;
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Until 1.00am on New Year's Eve;
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Until midnight on 5th November.
What is Noise Action Week?
Noise Action Week took place from 19th to the 23rd May 2008.
As part of Noise Action Week 2008, we held an event on 20th May in the bandstand in Cwmbran town centre.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the risk to hearing caused by exposure to loud noises. This damage can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss and affects everyone in all walks of life, not just those in heavy industry or noisy environments.
As part of the event we measured the output volume of personal MP3 players and offering advice on the long term effects to peoples hearing.
Further information can be found on the Noise Action Week| website.