HomeNoise control
We enforce noise pollution legislation under the Noise Act 1996. On 1 April the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (often referred to as the Clean Neighbourhoods Act) became law, and extended our powers under The Noise Act.
The act gives us powers to deal with noise from alarms, entertainment venues, private residences and noise in the street.
Excessive noise is a form of pollution and it can make life a misery.
Loud music from parties and barbecues, barking dogs, ringing alarms and roadworks can cause stress and annoyance and lead to problems sleeping and relaxing in your own home.
If the noise is constant and affecting your day-to-day life, call us on 028 9037 3006 and we can investigate your complaint.
Our noise control officers can also provide help and advice for reducing noise and tackling problems informally.
We receive around 6,000 noise complaints every year, most of them about:
- neighbours and loud music
- barking dogs and other animals
- alarms
- pubs, bars and clubs
- DIY, building sites and roadworks
- commercial or industrial premises
- other types of noise including noise on the street.
Night-time noise out-of-hours service
We also operate a night-time noise service, staffed by our noise control officers.The number, 028 9037 3006, is available Monday to Sunday from 8pm to 4am.
If the number is busy, leave a message and we'll call you back.
Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
The introduction of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 extends our night-time noise powers.Under the act if we decide the noise from a residential dwelling is excessive we can issue occupier with a noise abatement notice, and if they do not comply with it we can now fine them £110 (reducing to £85 if paid within 10 days).
Our powers under the Noise Act 1996, which apply to night-time noise (11pm to 7am) from residential dwellings, now extend to cover noise from licensed premises.
We can deal with premises such as entertainment venues that are found committing night-time noise offences. This may result in a £500 fine, prosecution or seizure of sound systems, DJ decks or other noise-making equipment.
