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The industries which are responsible for complaint of noise
in the Borough are not those usually classed as heavy
industries. For example, noise was caused by the running of
pumping machinery, while very considerable amelioration was
obtained by enclosing that part of the factory where such
machinery was installed by screens made of sound-absorbing
material, and by the provision of double windows.
In other instances noise from running machinery has been
reduced by the erection of wooden fences and by the occupiers
of the factories keeping particular windows and doors of the
factory closed during the hours of work.
In another case amelioration of the existing conditions has
been achieved by the provision of efficient silencers on the
air intake pipes attached to air compressor plant.
Another noise nuisance has been overcome by the provision
of new buildings, in which the engines are now running in
special chambers partially partitioned by glass, the exhaust
gases going into a specially constructed tunnel, lined with
sound-absorbing material. The new arrangements have reduced
the considerable noise to one now barely audible in the near
vicinity.
These are typical examples of achievement possible with
the assistance of the occupiers of the factories. The results
have been obtained without the service of statutory notices or
recourse to legal proceedings.
Section 106—Middlesex County Council (General Powers)
Act, 1938, is now relevant to the subject of noise. The section
is as follows:—
106—
(1) A noise nuisance shall be liable to be dealt with as
a statutory nuisance under the Act of 1936.
Provided that no complaint shall be made to a justice
under section 99 of the said Act unless it is signed by
not less than three householders or occupiers of
premises within hearing of the noise nuisance
complained of.
(2) For the purpose of this section 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 and
where such noise
(a) is injurious or dangerous to health; and
(b) is capable of being prevented or mitigated
having due regard to all the circumstances of
the case.
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