UK Legislation
U.K. noise legislation is mainly contained in the Control of Pollution Act 1974 (Part III) and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Part II). These acts give district councils (through their Environmental Health Officers) responsibility to determine whether noise nuisance exists and powers to protect citizens from noise by a variety of means, including the designation of Noise Abatement Zones and the serving of Noise Abatement orders.

Local Authorities
Planning and Highway Authorities are required to have regard to potential noise when considering planning applications or planning new development – for example, new roads. Before granting planning permission, they may require applicants to enter into agreements controlling hours of working or methods of operation in order to prevent noise nuisance. Mineral workings and waste disposal sites are particularly relevant in this respect.