Changes during the coronavirus pandemic
Due to coronavirus the Council is changing its priorities to help protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
Environmental health complaint services would normally visit you to monitor the problem or install monitoring equipment, this will not occur to help control the virus spread.
This will mean a limit as to what we can do and hence a delay in taking formal action to resolve your complaint. Supporting us with this delay is appreciated. We thank you for your patience and co-operation at this difficult time.
The night time noise service is not operating at the moment as Officers are not doing any visits to people’s homes to help control the virus spread. This is being reviewed and Environmental Health Officers visiting people is likely to open up at the end of July 2020 if social distancing and other appropriate control measures can be achieved.
Before you start
We can only deal with noise that is considered to be unreasonable to the average person (called a "statutory nuisance" in legal terms), to find out more see our guide:
What is a Statutory Nuisance?
What we need to know
- What the noise is
- How often it happens
- At what time of day it happens
- Who is responsible for the noise
Your information is confidential and will not be disclosed to a third party.
Start now >>
Other information
Bothered by a noisy neighbour?
Most people can hear noise from their neighbours at some time, but when it is regular or excessive then it can become a real problem. For a range of options to help deal with noisy neighbours take a look at our
Your Neighbour, Your Choice leaflet.
What action will we take?
We aim to provide the most suitable response for each noise complaint we receive. In the majority of cases a simple advisory letter is all that is required, but if this doesn't work then our officers will investigate to see if legal action should be taken. See our
Frequently Asked Questions for more details.
What legal action can we take?
We have a range of powers available to deal with noisy neighbours, including:
- Serving a Legal Notice
- Seizing equipment used to cause noise nuisance
- Disconnecting sounding alarms
- Prosecuting people who continue to cause noise nuisance
- Anti-social Behaviour Order if the noise causes harassment, alarm or distress.
Had a noise complaint made against you?
Here are some simple things you can help to prevent causing a noise problem:
- Keep noise down late at night when neighbours are trying to sleep.
- Let neighbours know if you're having a party, building work or other unusual activity – if people know what's happening and when it's due to end they are usually more accepting of it.
- Try and understand why your dog might be barking, there will be a reason why and something you can do – see our leaflet for more information.
- Complete our
Alarm Keyholder Registration Form so we know who to contact if your alarm goes off accidentally.
Noise from pubs, clubs and events
If you have live music, DJ's, karaoke or similar entertainment the noise may affect neighbours. Our Simple Guide for Managing Entertainment Noise can help event organisers manage noise so it doesn't become a problem.
Construction Noise
Construction activity generates more noise than is usual for an area. Detailed guidance on how to control noise from construction activity is provided in the approved Code of Practice: BS 5228 - Noise from Construction and Open Sites.
Building contractors can apply for a
Prior Consent which sets out the agreed way in which construction activity will be carried out to minimise noise disturbance.