Local authorities have a duty to deal with statutory nuisances under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. For noise to amount to a statutory nuisance, it must be "prejudicial to health or a nuisance" - see section 79(1)(g) and (ga) of the 1990 Act. Guidance issued in Scotland to accompany the Public Health (Scotland) Act 2008 gives a comprehensive account of the relevant background and case-law.