We can investigate if noise becomes excessive in volume and duration, or occurs at unreasonable times of the day.

The assessment of noise nuisance is based on whether it is 'reasonable', bearing in mind the locality, how often noise occurs and how many people are affected.

We will listen to the noise or will install noise monitoring equipment in your property.  Then we will assess whether or not the noise amounts to 'statutory nuisance' and make a decision on what action can be taken.  

Initially we will try and resolve noise disputes through informal negotiation, but ultimately if we find that the noise is causing a nuisance to others then we have a legal duty to take action against the person causing the noise.

If approaches to the person responsible for the noise do not resolve the noise situation we can issue an Abatement Notice requiring the person to stop causing a nuisance.

If the person fails to comply with the Notice then we can seize stereos or other equipment used to make the noise and prosecute them in the Magistrates Court.  Fines can be imposed of up to £5,000 for residents and £20,000 for businesses.

For businesses who are causing a noise nuisance there can be a defence of ‘best practicable means'.  We will have to determine whether they have done their best to reduce the noise impact on others.