Noise Investigation Procedure
Why have a procedure?
We aim to deal with all noise problems fairly, impartially, consistently and in accordance with government laws and regulations. We've published our procedure so that you know what to expect from us, and also understand what is required of you if you decide to report a noise problem to us.
This page is just a summary of what will happen when we look into a noise problem for you, the full Noise Investigation Procedure is available to download at the bottom of the page.
Before going any further...
There are some noise problems that we can't deal with, so our procedure won't apply:
Traffic Noise - in public places, such as revving engines and car stereos – complaints can only be dealt with by the Police at the time the problem is happening.
Aircraft Noise - is dealt with by the Civil Aviation Authority
Rykneld Homes Tenants - if you live in a Council owned property, please get in touch with your Neighbourhood Champion first to discuss the problem. They may be able to solve the problem or act on your behalf to request an investigation. Find out more on the Rykneld Homes website.
Making your report
You can report a problem to us by phone, in person or by using our online form. You can also get in touch with your local councillor who can contact us on your behalf.
When report a noise issue to us we will need to know as much information as possible about the problem, including:
- the type of noise
- where it is coming from and who is causing the problem
- when the noise usually happens and how long it lasts
- the effect that the noise is having on you or your family
- whether you have taken any action yourself, such as contacting the person making the noise
- if you have been in touch with us about the problem before
We will keep your details confidential throughout our investigation, but if the matter does eventually lead to a prosecution we may need to reveal your identity.
How we deal with your enquiry
We will assign you a dedicated case officer who will keep in touch with you throughout the process. They will probably need to discuss the matter in more detail with you to get a clear picture of the cause of the problem, how it is affecting you and how it can be resolved.
Your case officer may be able to help you deal with the problem yourself without taking the matter further such as an informal chat with the person causing the problem, or they can do this on your behalf. However, in some cases a more formal investigation will be carried out.
Monitoring the problem
We will tell the person you think is causing the noise that an allegation has been made, and let them know that monitoring may be carried out as part of our investigation.
To get a clearer picture of what is happening we may send you a monitoring sheet to record details of the noise as and when it happens. This will help us decide what steps we need to take next.
We may visit you at times when the noise is likely to occur so we can hear it for ourselves, or give you sound recording equipment for you to make recordings of the problem.
We take these steps to help us decide whether the noise is a 'Statutory Nuisance'. If it is, we need to take further action.
Next steps
Where we've identified a Statutory Nuisance, we will serve a Noise Abatement Order on the person or business causing the noise. This will state what the problem is, give a date by which the noise must stop or be reduced and explain what will happen if they don't comply.
If the problem continues we can carry out a prosecution in the Magistrate's Court; this may lead to a fine and an Anti-Social Behaviour Order being issued.
Any questions?
If you need to know more or have any queries, why not take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions or contact our Clean and Green hotline (details below).
Downloads
North East Derbyshire District Council's Noise Investigation Procedure. (22.2 KB)
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