Noise: Pollution Control
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 February 2025 to Question 30643 on Nightclubs and Public Houses: Planning, what guidance his Department has issued on noise and statutory nuisance; and whether his Department has issued guidance on the agent of change principle.
Answered by Emma Hardy
The Statutory Nuisance Regime under Section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA) is designed to provide protection from nuisances including noise, odour, smoke, fumes, artificial light, infestations and accumulations. Local authorities are responsible for investigating nuisance problems brought to their attention under the EPA.
If local authorities consider that a statutory nuisance is happening, has happened or will happen in the future, they must serve an abatement notice (usually on the person responsible).
Further guidance on planning policy on noise, which includes advice on the agent of change’ principle, is published by MHCLG.
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