MUSIC NOISE NEIGHBOURS COULD FACE EVICTION
NEIGHBOURS PLAYING noisy music could face eviction under new powers contained in the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.
The warning comes from a senior Bromley councillor after a Beckenham man and an Orpington man were both prosecuted by the council’s public protection division following complaints regarding loud music.
The cases were heard in Bromley magistrates court on 18 November and both resulted in fines and equipment being seized.
Bromley’s executive member for public protection and safety Cllr Kate Lymer said: “This action shows that those who have little regard for their neighbours, and cause a nuisance will be dealt with using the powers available to our officers.
“Individuals who commit these types of offences may now also face eviction by their respective housing associations as a result of their convictions using new powers under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.”
In the first case, a Beckenham man failed to attend court and the case was heard in his absence and he was found guilty of causing a noise nuisance on the 19 and 26 August 2015.
He was fined £200 plus £150 criminal courts charge, £20 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £1,468 in costs. Payment was ordered within 28 days. The man had previously been prosecuted and found guilty in July 2015 at Bromley magistrates court for three other noise offences.
A council spokeswoman said: “As part of the ongoing noise case, a warrant of entry was obtained by the council’s noise team and stereos and speakers were seized from the man’s property.
“The court also granted a forfeiture order for the seized equipment, which will now be disposed of via donation to charity.”
In the second case heard on the same day, an Orpington man,who also failed to attend court, was found guilty of a single offence, fined £500, £150 criminal courts charge, £20 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £1,402 in costs within 28 days.
In addition the man also had seized equipment forfeited, which will also be disposed of through charitable donation.
The council currently deals with around 3,000 reports of excessive noise nuisance every year. Residents affected by a noise nuisance can seek advice and report problems via the council’s website www.bromley.gov.uk or by calling 0300 303 8657.
Bromley Council has a duty to investigate complaints alleging a statutory noise nuisance under Section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 makes it an offence to fail to comply with the requirements of a noise abatement notice. Committing an offence under this section of the Act carries a maximum fine of up to £5,000 for residential premises.
The new Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provides landlords with new powers and absolute grounds for possession of properties in relation to antisocial behaviour offences.
(Source: Bromley council press release)