Noise Nuisance
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We live in a noisy society, but what is acceptable to one person might be unbearable to others, and noise can be pollution just as much as smoke or chemicals.
We will take steps to curb people and businesses that create a noise nuisance, as part of our Don't Stand For It! campaign against enviro-crimes.
Read on to find out what can be classed as noise, what we can do about it and how this might affect you or your business.
What is a noise nuisance?
We receive around 500 enquiries each year from people affected by noise.
The most common enquiries are about disturbance from neighbours, such as loud music and televisions, barking dogs, vehicle repairs and DIY noise. Other problems include burglar and car alarms, building site noise, noise made by businesses, licensed premises and noise in the street. For us to take action we need to be sure that the problem is a 'statutory noise nuisance'.
How do I avoid causing a noise nuisance to others?
Often, the person making the noise doesn't realise they are causing a nuisance to other people, but our Frequently Asked Questions may help you to avoid becoming a nuisance neighbour yourself.
What you can you do about noise problems
If you are concerned about noise coming from a neighbour’s property, a local business, vehicles or equipment in the street, often the best way to deal with the problem is to go to the source. Think about talking to the person or company responsible for the noise and explaining how their noise is affecting you. You may find that they don’t know they are disturbing you and often a friendly informal approach is enough to sort out the problem and maintain good relations.
If you don't feel that you can approach the person or company involved we can contact them on your behalf, see our Noise Procedure for more details.
The Bothered by Noise guide is packed with information and advice about noise problems and how to deal with them.
How we can help
Let us know if you are bothered by noise, and we will do our best to help. We can offer advice about dealing with the problem informally and carry out an investigation if necessary. See our Noise Procedure for details of what to do next.
What action can we take?
If we agree that the noise is a 'statutory nuisance' we can talk to the person causing the problem and ask them to reduce the amount of noise they are making, or can serve an Abatement Notice demanding that the noise stops or reduces.
If this doesn't work we can seize the equipment being used to make the noise or ultimately take court action which can result in a fine of up to £20,000. Full details are in our Noise Procedure.
Where an offender is aggressive or violent we can also work with the police to serve an Anti-Social Behaviour Order.
Taking your own action
If our investigations can't confirm that a noise nuisance exists we can give you advice on taking your own legal action.
Don't Stand For It - Report Noise Nuisance Online!
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