London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Fulham 1960

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Fulham Borough]

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39
LAND CHARGES ACT, 1925
Enquiries as to any outstanding sanitary or other notices and
orders of charges were dealt with in respect of 2,583 premises.
In 38 cases notices were outstanding at the time of search, and
these were declared accordingly.
NOISE NUISANCES
In appropriate circumstances action has previously been taken
informally or under Section 76 of the London County Council (General
Powers) Act. 1937 During the year the Noise Abatement Act, 1960, was
passed and became operative from 27th November Where a noise or
vibration is deemed to be a nuisance it becomes under this Act a
statutory nuisance and the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, procedure
can be followed by the local authority An abatement notice can be
served on the person causing the nuisance or on the owner or occupier
of the premises on which it arises. Such a notice can be enforced
by proceedings at Magistrates' Courts In addition three or more
occupiers of land or premises who are aggrieved by a noise nuisance may
complain to a Magistrate. Neither of these actions, however can be
taken regarding noises or vibrations from aircraft nor in the case of
noise or vibration caused by statutory undertakers in the exercise of
their powers Where a complaint concerns a trade or business it is
a defence to show that the best practicable means have been used
for preventing a noise or vibration and counteracting the effects.
The Act also prohibits the use of loudspeakers in streets between
9pm. and 8 a.m. except in defined circumstances (police, fire
brigade, ambulance, etc.) and at any other time for advertising any
trade, business or entertainment, with the exception that a loud
speaker operated on a vehicle between noon and 7 p.m. so as not to
give reasonable cause for annoyance of persons in the vicinity may
be used in connection with the sale of perishable foodstuffs.
During the year 65 visits were made to premises in connection with
13 complaints of noise nuisances.

The following table sets out the various noise nuisances alleged and the results of any action taken following investigations:-

Nature of complaintAction taken (if any)
1Noisy moving machinery of road-making materials plant.Owners approached informally. More modern plant installed. Complaint since ceased
2Noise from car breaking in open yard.Greater use of oxy-acetylene burner suggested instead of manual hammering. Co-operation secured from occupier and complaints since ceased
3Noise from repairing of sewing machines.Some noise inevitably suffered by tenant living directly over factory Complainant obtained other accommodation and flat subsequently let to a friend of the proprietor. No further complaint