Noise nuisance and noisy neighbours

If your neighbour (or a neighbouring business) is causing you a regular or significant noise problem, it is usually worth approaching them to explain politely that you are troubled by the noise. Most are unaware and will be glad to do what they can to reduce the noise. You are not obliged to do this, but it might help neighbour relations in the long run.

If this doesn't work, or you are worried about approaching your neighbour you can contact the council to make a noise complaint by using our online form:

Inform us about a noise nuisance

This cannot be easily defined but could be described as an unreasonable interference with the normal enjoyment of your property. It will usually be something that is occurring regularly and/or continuing for a period of time that makes it unreasonable.

The following are unlikely to be a statutory nuisance:

• a one-off party
• neighbours arguing
• a lawnmower being used
• a baby crying or dogs barking occasionally

Noise that we have no control over:

• road traffic/engine noise on the public highway
• people shouting/laughing or screaming on a public road or footpath
• air traffic noise

There is no maximum noise level (decibel level) that relates to noise nuisance. Each case is judged on what might be reasonable and normal for the situation. Factors taken into consideration:

• when the noise is happening (noise can be a nuisance at any time of the day or night)
• the duration of the noise
• how often it is happening
• the type of noise
• whether there is social acceptance (for example, bonfire night or church bells)

Unfortunately, there is no added protection for shift workers or people who are studying or ill, and may want or expect a great degree of peace and quiet in the day than might be the norm.

You will be assigned a case officer to investigate your complaint. You will be sent some advice and asked to complete a diary sheet on what has been happening. This evidence is crucial to taking the complaint forward, it allows us to challenge the person causing the alleged problem about noise that took place between certain times on certain days.

The diary sheet(s) should be completed over a period of 7 to 14 days and then returned to the case officer for assessment. You must return the diary sheets within the agreed time for the officer to assess the information and act upon it. Otherwise, the case will have to be closed.

If your diary record sheets indicate the likely existence of a statutory noise nuisance the investigating officer will contact the perpetrator to inform them of the complaint and the legal action available to the council should a statutory noise nuisance be witnessed.

If you experience significant disturbance during office hours while you are keeping the diary, you are advised to contact the investigating officer and it may be possible for them or another member of the team to visit and witness the noise.

Diary sheet(PDF) [2 Mb]

We have an out of hours service to give advice and assistance on emergency environmental health issues when the council offices are closed. It is also available on bank holidays, including Christmas day.

Please note that this service is intended for genuine emergencies only (for example, house or car alarms). If it is not an emergency, please wait and contact us during normal working hours, when we have access to more resources.

You can contact us outside normal hours by calling 01256 844844. Your call will be connected to the out of hours contact centre who will be able to give you advice and assistance. In most cases this should deal with your concern but, if it is judged necessary, an officer may visit you.