Environmental Health/Environmental Protection Noise Officer

Overview

Tower Hamlets is a fascinating borough, a multi-cultural community steeped in history. The Environmental Protection Team works with other departments in the Council, Planning, Licensing, Arts and Events, Health and Housing, local residents and external contractors to control excessive noise and vibration within the Borough. The Team is responsible for the assessment of complex acoustic reports on behalf of Planning and providing expert comments to planning, based on current legislation and the Tower Hamlets Local Plan. The team also handles the assessment of Control of Pollution Act (COPA) 1974 section 61 applications and works dispensations, statutory noise nuisance assessments and sound level meter data analysis using specialist software and field measurements. They compile detailed responses to Environmental Information Regulations requests, Freedom of Information requests and Ombudsman enquiries, and follow up on public requests for service.

We offer a 35 hour week with flexible working, structured training opportunities (CPD), competitive salaries, an additional car/travel allowance, advisory and enforcement work, and a minimum of 6 weeks paid leave per year. You will act as a statutory consultee and advisor to other council teams on noise and vibration, liaising with external partners and attending meetings on environmental protection issues. A good understanding of relevant planning legislation related to noise and best practice, including guidance from WHO, IOA, ANC and Defra NPSE, as well as the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and standards (BS 5228, 4142 and 8233), and holding a noise-specific qualification (e.g., MSc/Diploma in Noise Control and Acoustics) is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• You will work in a team dealing with diverse noise and nuisance issues, seeking intervention strategies to ensure compliance with Environmental Health legislation and improve noise levels within the Borough.
• Attend court, prepare prosecution files and give evidence as required; participate in PACE interviews.
• Review planning applications and s61 applications; be self-motivated and align with the Council’s wider agenda on local environmental issues.

Requirements

• Recent experience providing comments on large-scale planning applications.
• Experience leading complex noise/pollution investigations including detailed site measurements and analysis of acoustic reports.
• Detailed and current knowledge of case law for statutory, public nuisance and licensing controls.
• Good understanding of relevant legislation and good practice, including guidance from NPF, BSI, WHO, IOA, ANC and Defra.
• Substantive local authority enforcement experience or holding a relevant Diploma or degree in acoustics may start at a higher grade.

About Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. We value energetic, creative, and resilient residents and a council committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth Line station. It is more than a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation, and community. As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive. At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, Tower Hamlets is the place for you.