Birmingham City Council says ‘excessive noise levels’ in certain areas are impacting businesses and residents
The Birmingham city centre areas covered by the proposed PSPO
More measures to crack down on busking and street preaching in Birmingham city centre could soon be introduced.
The city council said it was considering the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to combat ‘excessive noise levels’ in certain streets.
This issue has impacted businesses, residents trying to relax at home and landlords attempting to let properties within the city centre, the authority said.
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The council already has two city centre PSPOs aimed at controlling noise levels on the streets around residential accommodation, which are due to expire in August.
But it acknowledged there had been an increasing number of complaints outside those orders and is consulting on the proposed declaration of a “new wider PSPO area” in the city centre.
Within the streets covered by the proposed PSPO, people would be banned from using amplification equipment, musical instruments or other items used as instruments.
It would crack down on noise associated with busking, street entertaining, street preaching and public speaking affecting residential homes and businesses.
Areas covered would include Victoria Square, New Street, Temple Street, Cannon Street, Needless Alley and part of Waterloo Street.
Birmingham’s skyline (Image: Martin O’Callaghan/Birmingham Live)
Justifying its proposal, the council said that “excessive noise levels” were affecting businesses and residents in a range of ways.
They included difficulties in communicating with customers, relaxing at home and having conversations over the phone as well as the impact on mental health and wellbeing.
“Landlords have reported difficulties in letting residential and commercial properties in the city centre due to noise levels,” a consultation document said.
A council officer even reportedly suffered temporary hearing loss when they approached an individual who was using amplification equipment.
“The majority of the recorded incidents were in the High Street and New Street area of the city centre where there is a significant footfall,” the document said.
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“Excessive noise levels in this area are particularly problematic as the streets are relatively narrow with high-sided buildings either side leading to sound being echoed.
“Attempts to resolve this matter informally through a voluntary code of conduct and through engagement with individuals on the street have been unsuccessful.”
However, the proposed PSPO’s prohibitions would not apply to the following:
- Anyone who holds a current street trading consent or written authorisation from the council.
- Emergency Response e.g. Police, Fire, Rescue Authority, Ambulance Services or Statutory Undertakers for the purpose of public safety and/or the prevention of crime and disorder.
- Warning or alarm sounds associated with vehicles and machinery to keep the public safe on shared highway e.g. reversing signals.
- Organised public processions in accordance with the Public Order Act 1986.
- A political demonstration or a demonstration supporting or opposing a cause or campaign associated with a shop or business within the restricted area or any other lawful protest.
Residents have until May 25 to respond to a public consultation on the plans for a new PSPO, which would be in force for three years.