London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Camberwell 1958
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Camberwell.
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| Action taken and result | Nature of complaint |
|---|---|
| 5. Noise from factory machinery. | This was a repetition of a complaint made some months previously when at the request of the Public Health Department, the proprietors of the factory carried out alterations to reduce the noise. Since all reasonable steps were being taken and the noise was not considered to be excessive, no further action was possible. |
| 6. Noise at night from factory ventilating plant. | Representations to the management resulted in the repositioning of certain fans and the installation of silencing units. No further complaints have been received. |
| 7. Noise at night from Hairdressers' drying apparatus. | Representations to the management resulted in the insulation of the party wall to the adjoining dwelling house and the resiting of the dryers. In addition the attention of the L.C.C. was drawn to this matter in view of the possible contravention of the Closing Hours clauses of the Shops Act 1950. No further complaint has been received. |
| 8. Noise from building work at rear of a bakehouse. | The co-operation of the management was sought to eliminate any unnecessary noise, but some noise was inevitable whilst the building works were in progress. When these are completed there should be no further cause for complaint. |
| 9. Noise from machinery in builders' workshop. | Following representations by the Public Health Department the workshop wall adjoining the dwelling house and the workshop ceiling was insulated; the machine area was also insulated. The management made application under the Town Planning Acts for permission to erect a workshop on land away from the dwelling houses to which the machinery could be transferred; this was refused. Meanwhile the continuance of the noise is giving rise to considerable disturbance to the occupants of the adjoining property. |
| 10. Noise and vibration from laundry machinery. | Full co-operation of the management has been obtained and steps are being taken to minimise the nuisance. This matter is still under observation. |
Section 66 of the London County Council (General Powers)
Act,1937, states that ".... a noise nuisance shall be deemed to
exist where any person makes or continues or causes to be made
or continued any excessive or unreasonable or unnecessary
noise which is injurious or dangerous to health". It also provides
that it shall be a good defence for the person charged to show that
he has used the best practicable means of preventing or mitigating
the nuisance having regard to the cost and to other relevant
circumstances.