Report a Noise Complaint

We can take action for noise disturbance from:

• Amplified music
• Barking dogs
• Building works at unreasonable times
• Audible intruder alarms
• Extractor systems and air conditioning units
   

We cannot take enforcement action for lifestyle noises such as:

• Footballs
• Dropping of objects/moving of furniture
• Lights being switched on/off
• General talking
• Shouting/singing, except in cases where disturbances is caused frequently at night (before 11pm) and for prolonged periods
• Slamming doors
• Toilet flushing
• Babies crying
• Children playing

When making a formal complaint you will need to complete noise diary sheets, recording the dates, times, duration and type of noise for a period of at least 14 days.

We will use this information as the basis for further action which may include installing noise recording equipment in your property. If our investigation confirms that there is a persistentstatutory noise nuisanceand we have not been able to deal with it informally we can serve a noise abatement notice. If this is not complied with we can prosecute or take default action to remedy the problem.

Please note that a statutory noise nuisance is a noisy disturbance that materially, and therefore significantly, interferes with a person's lawful rights to the enjoyment of their home. Audibility alone is not necessarily an indication of nuisance as neighbours living in close proximity are always likely to be aware of each other's activities and it is not reasonable to expect a silent environment. 

Nuisance is judged from the viewpoint of the average person's sensitivity to noise and no allowance can be made for people on shift work of those with particularly sensitive hearing. Case law also requires that the noise must arise from the unreasonable behaviour or conduct of the person responsible. The law does not specify noise levels or set time limits but requires an objective judgement to be made by us based upon factors such as:

• How often the noise occurs
• Duration of the noise
• Volume
• Time of day/night
• The character of the noise (whether it has any particularly annoying characteristics)
• The nature of the area
   

We must also consider the reasonable likelihood of us being able to gather the necessary evidence to witness the noise, in the case of random or short-lived noise occurrences this may not be possible.

This is because case law from the House of Lords states that noise from the ordinary and reasonable use of residential premises cannot be considered a nuisance. Case law also prevents us from requiring any owner/occupier of premises to carry out works to improve sound insulation.

The Diary Sheets can be accessed below, please ensure you complete them for a period of two-weeks before returning and completing your Noise Nuisance Report.

Noise Diary Sheets

Please read our Privacy Notice (PDF) before submitting a complaint.

After completing the two weeks of Noise Diary sheets please fill out the form linked below. You will be asked to upload the diary sheets in the form. This will provide us with the relevant information we need to respond to your case and decide our next actions if necessary. 

Noise Complaint Report Form

Once the form and diary sheets are assessed, we will contact you to discuss the case, we may also contact the person making the noise and advise them that we have received a complaint(s) of noise and request that they take measures to reduce the noise. 

Please note we do not disclose who made the complaint.