Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has voted in favour of plans to encourage the adoption of quieter fireworks.

A motion, brought by Councillors David Coole and Victoria Harber, called on TVBC to write to the borough’s MPs, and the secretary of state for housing, to urge legislation to “substantially reduce” the maximum level of fireworks available to buy by the public, as well as promote awareness of the impact of fireworks.

The motion was passed without dissent by the council, which is hope to improve the quality of life for animals and vulnerable people.

Cllr David Coole opened debate on the motion, saying that he had received “multiple emails from concerned residents” on the issue.

He said: “I know some people appreciate it, some people don’t,” he said, “but it’s generally a damaging noise and I would encourage people to support this motion.”

Cllr Philip Bundy, who is responsible for environmental health and housing at TVBC, said that Cllr Coole was “pushing an open door” on the proposal.

“I will contact our officers accordingly and draft such a letter,” he said.

He noted that information regarding fireworks, pets and the law is currently available on TVBC’s website, and that if the council is given details of firework displays in advance, there is “no reason we shouldn’t provide that information.”

Cllr David Drew, meanwhile noted that there is currently a legal limit of 120dB in law on the noise of fireworks, and compared the volume with other sources of loud noise, such as a military jet with afterburners on (130dB) and Maria Sharapova grunting while playing tennis (109dB).

Cllr Celia Dowden said that there had been an inquiry held by the government in response to a public petition, finding that there were a “long list of reasons why they did not ban the public use of fireworks,” including the impact on employment. She said that the government had committed to consulting local councils on the move, and said a letter should make reference to this.

Cllr Karen Hamiton said that control of fireworks should be about “keeping it in proportion.”

“Sometimes in life, it’s about compromise,” she said, “and the realisation and understanding that not taking something away for a very very small minority number that this causes an issue to compared to the general population of Test Valley.

“I do appreciate it affects animals but I think it has to be looked at in proportion and considered that people enjoy that form of entertainment and that if we took away every single scenario that impacted somebody or upset somebody just for the few I think we’re going to live quite a miserable life.”

Summing up, Cllr Harber said that the council could “go further” to protect animals and the vulnerable, saying she had had pets “cowering in a cupboard for days and it’s really distressing,” adding that she had more emails on fireworks than any other subject.

The motion was then put to a vote, which was passed without dissent.