Noise nuisance
Noise affects people in different ways. Any noise which is loud or obtrusive enough to affect someone else's enjoyment of their property can be a nuisance.
Please be considerate when playing music etc or other activities that might give rise to noise nuisance.
We have a duty to investigate complaints of noise nuisance. If we have evidence that you are causing a statutory nuisance, a legal notice may be served on you under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
If you carry on in breach of this notice you can be taken to court and be subject to an unlimited fine. We can also consider confiscating any equipment that is causing a nuisance.
Types of noise we will investigate
- noisy neighbours
- persistent barking dogs
- outdoor events
- commercial property noise
- building work including domestic DIY at unreasonable times
- intruder alarms
Types of noise we cannot investigate
- noise in relation to general day to day living eg. footsteps and talking
- noise from children playing
- noise from road traffic
- aircraft noise
- railway noise
- Ministry of Defence activities
Start the journey
More info about the journey
- your name, address and a contact telephone number
- accurate details of the source of the problem before we can start an investigation
All complainants' personal details will be treated confidentially, however should the case go to court then your names would have to be released. You would have an opportunity to discuss this with the case officer before the details were released.
Anonymous complaints will not normally be investigated.
We will respond to all incidents within two working days. We will contact both parties and if possible mediate between complainants to provide a solution.
We will monitor the noise that is being complained about.
If a nuisance is proved, we will take prompt enforcement action.
You can contact your neighbour direct and resolve it between yourselves - how to resolve neighbour disputes
You can take private action and we would recommend that you contact a solicitor for advice.