Noise Nuisance

On this page is information about noise nuisance and how the Council can assist with this issue. There are also links to two related documents, one describing our procedures and the other a helpful leaflet about neighbour noise.

If someone is being bothered by noise and have been unable to resolve the issue themselves, we will ask them to complete a record of the incidents of disturbance on to a diary sheet. It is important to record the date, time and duration of the noise, but we also need to know how the noise is affecting an individual or individuals.

We will then look at the diary sheet evidence and decide whether the extent and nature of the noise is something we can assist with. If it is, we advise the complainant of how we intend to monitor the problem; this may be by physical visits or the use of electronic monitoring equipment. Often this monitoring may take place out of hours. If the evidence does not justify the Council becoming involved, we will explain why and, where possible, offer an alternative course of action for the complainant.

We may bring this to the attention of the noise maker and also enter into discussions to resolve any issues if we feel this is appropriate. However, we only do this with the agreement of the complainant.

Once the noise has been investigated thoroughly, if we believe that a statutory nuisance exists, we may serve a legal notice. A notice could ask them to stop the noise or to take steps to prevent the noise being a problem to others.

Non-compliance with a notice may lead to prosecution, we may even seize any noise making equipment. Seizing equipment is an extreme measure and is only used when all else has failed.

Licensed premises

If the noise complained of comes from a licensed premises, the premises could lose their license if they fail to comply with any requirements. Again, however, this is an extreme measure.