Noise Pollution
Introduction
Excessive noise can make like a misery. Noisy neighbours, barking dogs, noise from licensed premises or construction sites are just some of the problems that can be experienced. Many noise problems, particularly those involving neighbours, can be resolved informally by, for example, explaining to your neighbours the difficulties they are causing. However, when this approach fails the Council may be able to help.
How You Can Make A Complaint
All noise complaints can be made through our office during office hours:-
Monday - Thursday 0900 hrs - 1645 hrs
Fridays - 0900 hrs - 1630 hrs
Ayrshire's Environmental Health Free 24 Hour Noise Helpline - 0800 73 10 410
Out of Hours Noise Unit
In addition to being able to express noise concerns to Environmental Health, complaints can also be made to the Pan Ayrshire Environmental Health Out of Hours Team when the noise disturbance is occurring.
The operating hours of the Environmental Health staff within the Out of Hours Noise Unit are Thursday to Sunday, 6pm to 4am the following morning.
A freephone 24 hour noise helpline allows complaints to be made at any time of the day. Calls received outwith these times are logged and acted upon.
Types of Noise
Environmental Health can investigate most types of unwanted noise. The type of noise can broadly be split into two main categories - dependant on the source i.e. domestic or non-domestic.
Domestic Noise
Examples of domestic noise include:-
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Amplified music
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DIY or car repairs
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Domestic appliances (e.g.. T.V, washing machine etc.)
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Musical instruments
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Domestic alarms
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Barking dogs
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Banging doors
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Raised voices
Non-Domestic Noise
Non-domestic noise is noise which originates from any source other than a domestic property. Examples include:-
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Commercial/Industrial Alarms
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Commercial Premises
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Industrial Premises
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Entertainment/Music (e.g. public houses, nightclubs)
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Construction/Demolition
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Roadworks
Notices and Fines
Warning notices could be issued where a noise-maker fails to stop or turn down the unwanted noise within 10 minutes of service of the Notice. Failure to do so could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 being issued. Fixed Penalty Notices are required to be paid within 28 days.