PART 3WORKS PROVISIONS

Defence to proceedings in respect of statutory nuisance27.

(1)

Where proceedings are brought under section 82(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 199021 (summary proceedings by person aggrieved by statutory nuisance) in relation to a nuisance falling within paragraph (g) of section 79(1) of that Act (noise emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance) no order shall be made, and no fine may be imposed, under section 82(2) of that Act, if the defendant shows—

(a)

that the nuisance relates to premises used by the Harbour Authority for the purposes of or in connection with the exercise of the powers conferred by this Order with respect to works and that the nuisance is attributable to the carrying out of works which are being carried out in accordance with a notice served under section 60, or a consent given under section 61 or 65, of the Control of Pollution Act 197422; or

(b)

that the nuisance is a consequence of the construction, maintenance or use of the work and that it cannot reasonably be avoided.

(2)

The following provisions of the Control of Pollution Act 1974—

(a)

section 61(9) (consent for work on construction site to include statement that it does not of itself constitute a defence to proceedings under section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (summary proceedings by person aggrieved by statutory nuisance)); and

(b)

section 65(8) (corresponding provision in relation to consent for registered noise level to be exceeded),

shall not apply where the consent relates to the use of premises by the Harbour Authority for the purposes of, or in connection with, the exercise of the powers conferred by this Order with respect to the authorised works.

(3)

The provisions of this article are without prejudice to the application to the authorised works, where relevant, of section 122 of the Railways Act 199323 (statutory authority as a defence to actions in nuisance, etc.) or any rule of common law having similar effect.