Producing a Noise Management Plan

Licenced Premises – Producing a Noise Management Plan

Licensed premises have to live in harmony with their neighbours, and by their very nature can often cause some disturbance to people living nearby.  The aim of the Noise Management Plan should be to put in place reasonable measures to reduce the noise impact of sources associated with the premises.  Since People are generally less tolerant of avoidable noise, particular attention must be paid to reducing or eliminating this.  The following table lists some of the issues which may have to be considered when preparing a noise management plan (NMP) for a premises licence and should be used as an aide memoir for preparing the NMP under the headings in the table below.  It should be borne in mind that each plan will be premises specific and the table is not exhaustive.  Not all issues will apply to all premises and the practicality of implementing some measures will depend on individual circumstances. Although the preparation and compliance with a NMP may be a requirement of the premises licence it is also expected to be applied to events permitted under Temporary Events Notices.

It is also advised that the Noise Management Plan is regularly reviewed and updated and a copy sent to us.

• On existing un-assessed noise sources
• When planning alterations to the Building are proposed
• Before introducing new plan and equipment
• Following a complaint
• When monitoring procedures identify that controls are inadequate

PROFORMA              For premises known as

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Continue on another sheet if necessary.  Please identify who has compiled the plan when you submit it.  If you have not received this guidance electronically and require an electronic version please contact the Council’s Public Protection Team on 01285 623000 or email pollution@cotswold.gov.uk

Additional Explanatory Notes

1.         Inside Music Noise

Often the bass elements are noticeable outside, close to the premises and inside nearby premises especially if they are attached.  Good management control to keep doors and windows closed and control hours and volumes with a cooling down period (reduced volume) for the last 15 minutes is achievable by the supervisor.  Consideration of location of loudspeakers, limiting Juke Boxes and structural works may require someone with specialist experience bearing in mind that structural works can be disappointing in reducing bass.  Live music is very difficult to manage, since many musicians bring their own equipment and it cannot be effectively controlled by the supervisor unless there is a good working relationship.  It may be prudent to look to favouring events which minimise impact and may be useful to warn neighbours in advance of special events which might have a greater impact.

Regular checking at the boundary of the nearest noise sensitive properties is important but if you have been in the noise for an hour or so your hearing will not be as good and the effects can be easily under estimated when you go outside to assess.  This is known as temporary threshold shift.

2.         Outside Music Noise

The first thing to consider is whether it is necessary, attracts customers or adds to the atmosphere.  Outside music can very easily cause a nuisance to nearby neighbours.  The nuisance potential is closely linked to volume, hours of use and number of times a year.  For example a beer garden with regular piped music for long periods at weekends or during the week is likely to be a nuisance if it can be heard in a neighbour’s garden.  On the other hand an occasional jazz band (for example) for a couple of hours at a lunchtime a few times a year (e.g. Bank Holidays) is much less likely to be a couple of hours at a lunchtime a few times a year (e.g. Bank Holidays) is much less likely to be a nuisance.  Special events such as wedding receptions may need careful planning and thought, including liaise with nearby occupiers.

3.         Deliveries and stores

Deliveries by their very nature are noisy e.g. the refrigeration units on delivery vehicles and the clanging of barrels and bottles.  The most effective way is to ensure that they take place at reasonable hours of the weekday.  Consider siting of stores and use of purpose built of acoustic stores.

4.         Gardens and play areas

Gardens are an important feature of many premises and their use difficult to control but sensible precautions like location, signs and restricting the hours of use of play areas may help.  Often, unsupervised children in play areas can cause problem.

5.         Customers and Car Parks

Customer noise is a difficult matter, people leaving a noisy venue often carry on talking outside at the same volume, and this can be disturbing.  Particularly disruptive customers should be warned and an exclusion policy introduced.  Car parks are another area where occasional supervision or checking especially late at night may help to prevent loitering and chatting or bad and noisy driving.  Signs which emphasise the need to refrain from shouting, slamming car doors, sounding horns and loud use of vehicle stereos and anti-social behaviour should be considered.  A good relationship should be fostered with responsible taxi operators and customers encouraged to contact these operators whilst within the premises and encouraging drivers to come to the door to collect passengers.

6.         Complaints

The importance of a sympathetic and polite response to complaints cannot be over emphasised.  Many problems can be defused by the right attitude and response.  Letting neighbours know that you are willing to meet with them to discuss issues can help maintain relations and assist with neighbour tolerance.

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR THE CONTROL OF NOISE FROM MUSIC FESTIVALS

If you are planning to organise an outdoor music or pop festival then before submitting an application for a Premise Licence you are strongly advised to contact the Public Protection Section of this Council.  A site meeting will then be arranged to consider whether the site is suitable for what is proposed.  If there is a possibility that the event could take place then a comprehensive noise assessment should be undertaken by an experienced and a suitably qualified noise consultant t in accordance with the Noise Councils Code of Practice “Environmental Noise Control at Concerts 1995.” A list of consultants can be provided on request. If this is accepted then any noise management plan (NMP) should be part of the Operating Schedule of the Premise Licence.

The NMP should include the following matters:-

1.      Statement of intent - this should explain the purpose of the NMP.

2.        Introduction - this should detail what is proposed and what noise criteria are to be achieved.

3.      Potential noise sources and proposed controls – this should state all potential sound sources including:

the main outdoor stage

other outdoor stages

marquees and tents

fairground rides and similar entertainment

sound checks

generators

tower lights

fireworks

impromptu parties - staff and guests

car parking and camping

departing patron noise

the build and break down

4.        Republic relations - the issue of how local residents, parish and town councils will be informed of the event.  A telephone hotline should be provided and maintained throughout the event hours so that members of the public can contact the organisers.  A note off all telephone calls made should be made using the attached log sheet.

5.        Noise monitoring of the event - this section should explain in detail how all noise sources will be monitored and controlled on the night, including a chain of command i.e. who has the authority to reduce noise levels throughout the hours the regulated entertainment will be taking place.  Will the noise consultant be present on site throughout the whole time. A note of all monitoring details should be made using the attached log sheet.

6.        Communication - it is essential that there are adequate communications both on the site and in the surrounding area so that relevant persons can contact one another.  You will need to consider mobile phone reception and audibility once there is music playing when it becomes difficult to have telephone conversations or even to hear the phone ringing.

7.        Follow-up report.- within 21 days of the event finishing the applicant or his noise consultant to produce a report detailing the impact on local residents, results of all monitoring, compliance with conditions and recommendations for the improvements if events are to be held at this site in the future.

Licenced Premises – Producing a Noise Management Plan

Licensed premises have to live in harmony with their neighbours, and by their very nature can often cause some disturbance to people living nearby.  The aim of the Noise Management Plan should be to put in place reasonable measures to reduce the noise impact of sources associated with the premises.  Since People are generally less tolerant of avoidable noise, particular attention must be paid to reducing or eliminating this.  The following table lists some of the issues which may have to be considered when preparing a noise management plan (NMP) for a premises licence and should be used as an aide memoir for preparing the NMP under the headings in the table below.  It should be borne in mind that each plan will be premises specific and the table is not exhaustive.  Not all issues will apply to all premises and the practicality of implementing some measures will depend on individual circumstances. Although the preparation and compliance with a NMP may be a requirement of the premises licence it is also expected to be applied to events permitted under Temporary Events Notices.

It is also advised that the Noise Management Plan is regularly reviewed and updated and a copy sent to us.

• On existing un-assessed noise sources
• When planning alterations to the Building are proposed
• Before introducing new plan and equipment
• Following a complaint
• When monitoring procedures identify that controls are inadequate

PROFORMA              For premises known as

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Continue on another sheet if necessary.  Please identify who has compiled the plan when you submit it.  If you have not received this guidance electronically and require an electronic version please contact the Council’s Public Protection Team on 01285 623000 or email pollution@cotswold.gov.uk

Additional Explanatory Notes

1.         Inside Music Noise

Often the bass elements are noticeable outside, close to the premises and inside nearby premises especially if they are attached.  Good management control to keep doors and windows closed and control hours and volumes with a cooling down period (reduced volume) for the last 15 minutes is achievable by the supervisor.  Consideration of location of loudspeakers, limiting Juke Boxes and structural works may require someone with specialist experience bearing in mind that structural works can be disappointing in reducing bass.  Live music is very difficult to manage, since many musicians bring their own equipment and it cannot be effectively controlled by the supervisor unless there is a good working relationship.  It may be prudent to look to favouring events which minimise impact and may be useful to warn neighbours in advance of special events which might have a greater impact.

Regular checking at the boundary of the nearest noise sensitive properties is important but if you have been in the noise for an hour or so your hearing will not be as good and the effects can be easily under estimated when you go outside to assess.  This is known as temporary threshold shift.

2.         Outside Music Noise

The first thing to consider is whether it is necessary, attracts customers or adds to the atmosphere.  Outside music can very easily cause a nuisance to nearby neighbours.  The nuisance potential is closely linked to volume, hours of use and number of times a year.  For example a beer garden with regular piped music for long periods at weekends or during the week is likely to be a nuisance if it can be heard in a neighbour’s garden.  On the other hand an occasional jazz band (for example) for a couple of hours at a lunchtime a few times a year (e.g. Bank Holidays) is much less likely to be a couple of hours at a lunchtime a few times a year (e.g. Bank Holidays) is much less likely to be a nuisance.  Special events such as wedding receptions may need careful planning and thought, including liaise with nearby occupiers.

3.         Deliveries and stores

Deliveries by their very nature are noisy e.g. the refrigeration units on delivery vehicles and the clanging of barrels and bottles.  The most effective way is to ensure that they take place at reasonable hours of the weekday.  Consider siting of stores and use of purpose built of acoustic stores.

4.         Gardens and play areas

Gardens are an important feature of many premises and their use difficult to control but sensible precautions like location, signs and restricting the hours of use of play areas may help.  Often, unsupervised children in play areas can cause problem.

5.         Customers and Car Parks

Customer noise is a difficult matter, people leaving a noisy venue often carry on talking outside at the same volume, and this can be disturbing.  Particularly disruptive customers should be warned and an exclusion policy introduced.  Car parks are another area where occasional supervision or checking especially late at night may help to prevent loitering and chatting or bad and noisy driving.  Signs which emphasise the need to refrain from shouting, slamming car doors, sounding horns and loud use of vehicle stereos and anti-social behaviour should be considered.  A good relationship should be fostered with responsible taxi operators and customers encouraged to contact these operators whilst within the premises and encouraging drivers to come to the door to collect passengers.

6.         Complaints

The importance of a sympathetic and polite response to complaints cannot be over emphasised.  Many problems can be defused by the right attitude and response.  Letting neighbours know that you are willing to meet with them to discuss issues can help maintain relations and assist with neighbour tolerance.

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR THE CONTROL OF NOISE FROM MUSIC FESTIVALS

If you are planning to organise an outdoor music or pop festival then before submitting an application for a Premise Licence you are strongly advised to contact the Public Protection Section of this Council.  A site meeting will then be arranged to consider whether the site is suitable for what is proposed.  If there is a possibility that the event could take place then a comprehensive noise assessment should be undertaken by an experienced and a suitably qualified noise consultant t in accordance with the Noise Councils Code of Practice “Environmental Noise Control at Concerts 1995.” A list of consultants can be provided on request. If this is accepted then any noise management plan (NMP) should be part of the Operating Schedule of the Premise Licence.

The NMP should include the following matters:-

1.      Statement of intent - this should explain the purpose of the NMP.

2.        Introduction - this should detail what is proposed and what noise criteria are to be achieved.

3.      Potential noise sources and proposed controls – this should state all potential sound sources including:

the main outdoor stage

other outdoor stages

marquees and tents

fairground rides and similar entertainment

sound checks

generators

tower lights

fireworks

impromptu parties - staff and guests

car parking and camping

departing patron noise

the build and break down

4.        Republic relations - the issue of how local residents, parish and town councils will be informed of the event.  A telephone hotline should be provided and maintained throughout the event hours so that members of the public can contact the organisers.  A note off all telephone calls made should be made using the attached log sheet.

5.        Noise monitoring of the event - this section should explain in detail how all noise sources will be monitored and controlled on the night, including a chain of command i.e. who has the authority to reduce noise levels throughout the hours the regulated entertainment will be taking place.  Will the noise consultant be present on site throughout the whole time. A note of all monitoring details should be made using the attached log sheet.

6.        Communication - it is essential that there are adequate communications both on the site and in the surrounding area so that relevant persons can contact one another.  You will need to consider mobile phone reception and audibility once there is music playing when it becomes difficult to have telephone conversations or even to hear the phone ringing.

7.        Follow-up report.- within 21 days of the event finishing the applicant or his noise consultant to produce a report detailing the impact on local residents, results of all monitoring, compliance with conditions and recommendations for the improvements if events are to be held at this site in the future.