Loudspeaker consent

When our consent is required

In Westminster, you may be required to get our consent to operate amplified noise equipment if: 

• you intend to use a loudspeaker between the hours of 9pm and 8am

In the absence of such consent, under Schedule 2 to the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993, the use of a loudspeaker during the hours of 9pm and 8am will amount to an offence contrary to section 62 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974. This requirement covers the whole area of the City of Westminster.

• you intend, at any time, to use a loudspeaker in Parliament Square and surrounding areas

The location where authorisation is required from the City of Westminster is defined by the yellow areas on the plan.​ These controlled areas stipulated in Section 142 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (as amended 28 June 2022)

Document

Controlled Areas: Parliament Square and surrounding area PDF, 805.19 KB, 1 page

Amplified noise equipment means any device that is designed or adapted for amplifying sound, including (but not limited to) loudspeakers and loudhailers.

Apply for consent

Apply for amplified noise equipment consent       

Your application form must be received at least 21 days before the consent is required. Applications received with less than 21 days before the consent is required will not be accepted.

Application Process

Your application will undergo a 21-day consultation period. If objections are raised during this time, we will strive to collaborate with you and the relevant authorities to mediate the application and objections where possible.

If an agreement cannot be reached, the opposed application and its objections will have to be reviewed by a Licensing Sub-Committee. In such cases, an additional fee for opposed Loudspeaker Consent must be paid before the application can be scheduled for a hearing. Failure to pay this fee will result in the withdrawal of the application.

Fees

The new fees take effect for applications received for loudspeaker consents from Tuesday 1 April 2025