The Leader of Dover District Council is to write to Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, to ask for further guidance in dealing with statutory noise nuisance from church bells and chimes.
The decision to seek guidance from both Secretaries of State was taken following a motion presented at last night’s full Council meeting by ward member, Cllr MJ Holloway.
Cllr Keith Morris, said: “We had no option under the current legislation but to investigate and issue a noise abatement notice regarding the church clock bell at St Peter’s Church in Sandwich which chimes every quarter hour throughout the day and night. Our officers acted entirely appropriately in investigating the complaints.
“We also, however, understand and respect local history and tradition. The current legislation leaves no room for manoeuvre and that is why we are now seeking clarity from the Secretary of State concerning situations such as this where church bells have rung for many years.
“In the meantime we continue to work with the Churches Conservation Trust to achieve a satisfactory resolution to the issue.”
Note to Editors:
A noise abatement notice was served on St Peter’s Church in Sandwich under section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Posted on 01 February 2018