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
Islington 1973
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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NOISE
IMOISE AT NIGHT FROM INDUSTRIAL PREMISES
An effort has been made in tackling noise nuisance to residents who occupy premises adjacent
to industrial concerns which work at night. Owners of Industrial premises often say 'we have been
working at night for years and nobody has complained before'. The answer to this statement appears
to be that because of the change in public opinions helped by public education on the subject, noise
is now considered an environmental pollutant. Therefore, levels of noise which people would accept
several years ago are not acceptable at the present time. This change in the public attitude is being
reflected in proposed legislation governing noise control.
NOISE ABATEMENT ACT, 1960 - COMPLAINTS
The following table gives details of other recorded complaints and action taken during the year under the Noise Abatement Act.
| Industrial Premises | Commercial Premises | Construction /Demolition | Domestic | Ice Cream Vans | Others | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cases complained of | 33 | 7 | 1 | 21 | 30 | 92 | |
| Nuisances confirmed | 16 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 37 | |
| Remedied informally | 14 | 2 | - | 7 | — | 9 | 32 |
| Abatement Notices served | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 4 |
OTHER NOISE COMPLAINTS
Four complaints were received relating to statutory undertakers whose activities are exempted
under the Act; nevertheless informal action was taken in each case.
Four complaints were made in respect of noisy animals or wireless sets etc., and the
complainants were advised to take the prescribed action in accordance with the relevant byelaws.
Fourteen complaints were received regarding traffic noise.
OFFICES, SHOPS AND RAILWAY PREMISES ACT, 1963
In submitting the annual report on the administration of the Offices, Shops and Railway
Premises Act, 1963, the Department of Employment requested that the Council review the ten year
operation of the Act bearing in mind the possible repeal of the Act by impending legislation. The
following comments formed the basis of the review.
Over the years a system has been evolved to monitor proposals and applications made to various
Departments of the Council for the construction or alteration of buildings in order to ensure full
compliance with the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act. Liaison with the Planning
Department has been particularly close. The resulting consultation between the Public Health
Inspectors, Architects and Builders at an early stage of proposals has resulted in premises complying
with the legislation prior to occupation.
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