Noise
This page gives information about noise, noise pollution and noise nuisance. It includes types of noise nuisance that the Council can deal with and types that we may not be able to deal with.
Noise is all around us in the environment we live in. In many cases, it is an acceptable part of life and often something that gives us pleasure, for example listening to our favourite music. However where we consider noise to be excessive or too loud for our own taste, it can become an annoyance and may even be against the law.
We can help with certain types of noise, where it is emitted from premises and we consider it to be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Whether a noise amounts to a statutory nuisance (noise nuisance) can depend on how loud it is, how often it happens and for how long, the type of noise it is and the reason for it being made. In most cases, we begin an investigation by asking you to keep a record of occurrences, so we can establish the basic details.
Examples of noise that the council may be able to assist with include:
- loud music,
- DIY (Do It Yourself) work,
- barking dogs,
- noise from commercial premises,
- intruder alarms (burglar alarms),
- vehicle alarms and
- construction work.
If you have an intruder alarm at your home or business, we strongly advise that you provide us with key holder details so that we can contact someone quickly if the alarm rings while you are away.
If you are planning a party, be sure to tell your neighbours about it and follow our advice to reduce any disturbance to a minimum.
Contact us
Contact the Environmental Health department using the contact details in the panel on the left for:
- an intruder alarms key holders details form,
- more information about fireworks and fireworks noise,
- reporting a noise nuisance and
- any other information about noise.
Other types of noise such as road traffic, trains and aircraft are generally not covered by noise control legislation.
Related Documents (2)
Neighbour noise leaflet (PDF Document, 156.24 Kb)- Noise Nuisance Procedures (PDF Document, 19.89 Kb)
Frequently Asked Questions (4)
There is nothing to stop this but remember amplified sound and/or a live band will increase the chances of causing a noise disturbance to your neighbours.
Generally speaking, we do not encourage live, amplified music at private homes as most homes in Oadby, Wigston and South Wigston are very close to others and there is a good chance that the noise will cause a disturbance.
We strongly advise that you finish at a time that neighbours will consider reasonable.
Again there is nothing to stop this but the longer noise is made, the greater is the chance that you could cause a statutory nuisance and that your neighbours will have a genuine complaint.
If you must have a number of parties over two or more days, you should make extra sure that your neighbours are prepared for this and agree with them acceptable finish times. These times might be earlier than you would like, but where people live close together and are easily affected by activities at someone else’s home, you do need to show consideration and courtesy.
Fireworks are inherently dangerous explosives and need to be used with extreme care.
Always follow the safety advice on the instructions.
Your garden should be sufficiently large to enable guests to stand well away from the lighting area and it is not a good idea for someone under the influence of alcohol to light them.
There are also time restrictions when the law allows fireworks to be lit.
Visit our fireworks page for more advice about using fireworks safely and within the law.
There are no specific restrictions or times that relate to parties in private homes. However the police can take action if you or your guests cause a disturbance and the council can take action if the noise from the party causes a nuisance.
A nuisance can occur at any time but is more likely to cause disturbance to others at night..
See our information on statutory nuisance for more details of what the council can do.
Freedom of Information Requests (1)
| Reference | Date | Request |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 October 10 | 26 Oct 2011 | Noise pollution |
Last updated: Thursday, 9 May 2013 2:57 pm
