Noise nuisance
Excessive noise can significantly impact your quality of life. If you're experiencing noise disturbances, this page will guide you through the process of reporting the issue to the council.
Reporting Noise
We investigate noise that could be a Statutory Nuisance.
For a noise to be considered as a statutory nuisance it would be something that interferes unreasonably with your enjoyment of your property.
Factors considered include level of noise, frequency of occurrence, time of day, duration, nature of the area etc.
Some things cannot be a statutory nuisance - such as noise from the military, emergency services, one-off incidents, traffic, or aircraft.
It is important that you accurately identify the source of the noise. If possible, you should try to resolve the issue directly with the source.
Investigation Process
We'll ask you to keep a record of when the noise occurs and how it affects you. We'll also contact the alleged source of the noise and investigate the issue. Your complaint is treated confidentially -the source will be aware that a complaint has been made but we will not tell them who has made it. We cannot investigate anonymous complaints.
The investigation time varies. You will need to keep records for up to a month initially. We may also monitor the noise ourselves. If you don't return completed records, your complaint may be closed.
We work closely with the Community Safety Team and the Planning Department. Sometimes, we will refer your enquiry on to them if they can assist.
How To Report Noise
For noise from another house - eg:
- Noise from residential neighbours such a loud TVs, music from parties.
- Noise from pets, such as barking dogs or poultry
- Noise from alarms (burglar or car)
Use our Report anti-social behaviour, noise & other nuisance form.
For commercial Noise - eg:
- Noise from businesses (e.g. factories or shops)
- Noise from construction sites
- Noise from pubs and clubs
- Bird scarers
- Vibration
Use our Report commercial noise pollution form.
FAQs
Q: What can the Council do about noise nuisances?
A: We investigate noise that significantly disturbs you within your home or garden. If the noise is deemed a "statutory nuisance" (unreasonable and impacting your living environment), we can issue an abatement notice to address the issue.
Q: What if the Council cannot take action?
A: If we determine that we cannot take action on your noise complaint, you may have the option to pursue the matter independently. For further guidance on your available options, please read our advice for taking your own private action (PDF, 24 KB).
Q: How do I register a bird scarer?
A: Bird scarers should be operated in accordance with the NFU bird scarers code of practice. Farmers can register bird scarers using our Birdscarer Registration form (2021) (PDF, 44 KB).
Q: How do I register a burglar alarm?
A: We offer a voluntary registration service for intruder alarms. Registering your alarm with the Council will provide contact details for key holders so that someone can be contacted if your alarm is reported to be causing a nuisance or annoyance. If your alarm is not silenced formal action may be taken to silence it under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. If you wish to register key holder details with the Council please complete the Burglar Alarm registration form (2021) (PDF, 56 KB). This helps avoid unnecessary costs if your alarm sounds.
Q: How do complain about Aircraft Noise or low flying Aircraft?
A: Please contact the Civil Aviation Authority.