NoiseNuisance.org have just launched their first mobile phone application! The App, a collaborative effort by Encentre and Three Spires Acoustics, provides a useful logging tool for noise complainants and comes with a number of additional resources.
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Most nuisance cases will result from ongoing or intermittent noise disturbances so it is important that evidence is logged over time to demonstrate that a state of affairs exists. The Noise Nuisance App enables the sufferer to get a head start by logging the information needed to help progress the case and is a really efficient alternative to diary sheets.
Within seconds the sufferer is able to make an audio recording of the noise and enter detail about the nature of the disturbance and how it affects them. At any point the user can then email their diary entries and share the audio files directly with their local environmental health department (selecting from a complete UK & NI list). Alternatively, the sufferer can use the evidence they have gathered by taking their own action or refer to social landlords who might have a responsibility to act to prevent nuisances.
Successful cases often rely upon the quality of evidence provided and commitment from the complainants. Not everyone will have access to Smartphone technology but those who do can take advantage of the Noise Nuisance App.
The App also provides 30 minutes of video advice for complainants and a news feed featuring topical articles.
The Android version will be launched soon but, in the meantime, iPhone users can find the App here.
Questions & Answers
Can you describe the App to us?
Yes, the App has four main features.
- It can be used as a noise recording and logging device or ‘nuisance diary’
- It can be used to view public information and advice resources about noise issues (this includes videos that we have made to help people understand their rights).
- It can connect you directly to your environmental health department
- It provides a source of news and topical information on noise related subjects.
So the functional part of the App is the noise diary log and indicative noise recording device. Why do people suffering from noise issues need to keep a diary?
Most noise complainants are asked by noise enforcement officials to keep a log of their own evidence at the start of an investigation. Usually this will be done on paper – environmental health officers call them log sheets. There are important reasons for doing this. Noise usually becomes a nuisance over a period of time where a state of affairs can be shown o exist. Keeping a diary is a way of providing evidence of noise events and without one it is difficult for a complainant to demonstrate that they have a genuine problem so that an abatement notice can be served.
What makes the App different from a log sheet then?
The App enables the complainant to make an entry into the diary each time the noise affects them in a similar way as they would do with a paper diary. The big difference with the Noise Nuisance App though is that they can also record the noise. The App automatically logs a time and date with each audio file that is recorded and it is placed alongside your diary entry. Users have said that it is a lot easier to use and more convenient than filling out paper forms.
What happens when they have completed the diary?
Once the complainant feels that they have captured enough entries in their diary they can send the file to their environmental health department or housing association officer. The email addresses of every local authority noise investigation team is programmed into the App. All the user needs to do is complete the diary, select their local authority and press send. Within seconds the investigating officer can then see their diary entries and listen to their noise recordings. Alternatively, they can use the evidence in their own private action.
What about the technical quality of the recordings?
This isn’t being used as an analytical tool but it will enable officers and magistrates to get a better impression of the situation in the same way that any other manually activated sound recording devices are used. It is intended to be used as a useful addition to the setting up of professional sound level recording devices.
You said that there is also information and video resources on the App?
There is information on the law, statutory nuisance and alternatives to legal action. Our background is in environmental health so we’ve tried to concentrate on the stuff that sufferers need to know in order to give them the best chance of success. We’ve put it into audio and video format so that it can be easily understood.
This App sounds really useful. What do local authority environmental health departments need to do to use the Noise Nuisance App?
All environmental health departments need to do is let people know that it exists, for example, by placing links on their websites. Local authorities are able to access and download complainants diaries free of charge.
