Issue - meetings

Report of Head of Community Services

Purpose of Report

To seek approval of the joint draft Cherwell and South Northamptonshire Council Noise Investigation Policy prior to public and stakeholder consultation.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1        To approve the joint draft Cherwell and South Northamptonshire Council Noise Investigation Policy.

1.2         To delegate authority to the Head of Community Services to consider responses and, if necessary amend the policy in consultation with the Lead Member for Public Protection.

Resolved

(1)          That the joint draft Cherwell and South Northamptonshire Council Noise Investigation Policy (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved for consultation.

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Community Services to consider responses and, if necessary amend the policy in consultation with the Lead Member.

The Head of Community Services submitted a report which sought approval of the joint draft Cherwell and South Northamptonshire Council Noise Investigation Policy prior to public and stakeholder consultation.

Resolved

(1)          That the joint draft Cherwell and South Northamptonshire Council Noise Investigation Policy (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved for consultation.

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Community Services to consider responses and, if necessary amend the policy in consultation with the Lead Member.

Reasons

The Policy and procedure pulls together existing good practice from both councils and provides clear guidance and assistance for complainants, those subject to regulation, partners and officers.

By approving the draft policy and agreeing to consultation amendments by subsequent delegation to the Head of Community Services, South Northamptonshire and Cherwell District Council can show that they are following DEFRA guidance and can provide a transparent policy on our approach to noise complaints.

It also shows that the Council is complying with the Regulators Code and means that the Council has a robust policy in place should it be subject to legal challenge.

Alternative Options

Option 1: The committee can approve the recommendations

Option 2: The committee can reject the recommendations but the absence of an up to date complaint policy could place the local authority at risk of legal challenge.

The absence of a comprehensive policy reduces the Council’s opportunity to provide clear guidance to potential complainants which promotes self-help and reduces the burden on Council resources.