Noise from Events
Well organised events are enjoyable for many people, both on a local and national level. However, noise from such events can be disturbing and this advice note and checklist is designed to help those planning events to reduce the risk of disturbance from noise.
Noise disturbance is not just necessarily restricted to music, but can include public address systems, the audience and equipment such as generators etc. Consideration must always be given to residents and businesses living and operating close to where the event is taking place. Noise control should form an integral part of the event planning process and after considering the suitability of a venue, you must consider carefully the position of entry and exit points, stage location, equipment, car parking etc.
If you are only having a very small event with no amplification it is unlikely to cause disturbance to the surrounding area. However for larger events we recommend that you:
- Nominate a Noise Control Person who regularly checks the noise levels during the event at the perimeter and adjusts them as necessary
- Advise local residents of your planned activities well in advance
- Give anticipated start and finish times and provide a contact telephone number for the Noise Control Person at the event.
- Advise The Council’s Environmental Protection Team of the event, including any contact telephone numbers. In some circumstances the Council may request that you appoint an Acoustic Consultant to assist in drawing up a Noise Management Plan. If you are not sure, contact the Environmental Protection Team for further advice.
The advice in this document follows national guidance in the Code of Practice on Environmental Noise Control at Concerts issued by the Noise Council. This guidance is particularly useful for large events.
Make a Complaint or Report
If you wish to make a complaint regaridng an event you can do so by completing our online reporting form which can be accessed by clicking on the following link:
Report a Noise Problem
Out of Hours
If noise from an organised event occurs outside of office hours and it effects a wide area, officers will respond if three independent calls from three seperate households are received regarding the same matter.
You can report noise from organisd events by calling 01304 821199. Once three independent calls have been received it may then be passed to the Out of Hours Noise Service.
The out of hours noise service operates within the following times:
- 8pm on a Friday evening until 3am on a Saturday morning
- 8pm on a Saturday evening until 3am on a Sunday morning.
- Sundays, if the following day is a Public Holiday, from 8pm until 3am on Monday morning.
Once referred the Duty Noise Officer will contact the closest complaintant with a view to visiting to witness the noise.
If the noise occurs outside of the times specified above please complete our online reporting form.