Noise Complaints

We are all bothered by noise in our homes - anything from loud music and DIY disturbing our relaxation to being woken up by barking dogs and alarms. These, and other noises can be annoying, and disruptive – but we all make these noises ourselves from time to time. If you are experiencing noise nuisance there are various things that you can do. It is often best to speak to the individual causing the noise and explain the situation to them. Sometimes people are not aware that their noise is disturbing others and will adjust their noise levels when they realise there is a problem. However when this approach fails, the council may be able to help. If you feel that you cannot approach the person causing the noise then get in touch with our team on 01594 812442 and they will give you advice and help. You will need to provide us with the following:

• Your name and address – anonymous complaints cannot be followed up
• The address or site where the noise is coming from and the type of noise 
• When and for how long the noise occurs 
• The way the noise affects you 
• Anything you have done to try and deal with the problem

One of our team will discuss your complaint with you before taking further action. An officer will normally visit to investigate or will send letters to the alleged offender notifying them of the complaint. They will also send you a noise log sheet and request that you fill in detailed records of the noise nuisance. If the log sheet is not returned it will be assumed the problem has been resolved to your satisfaction and no further action can be taken.

Click here to read more about the Noise Log Sheet

Click here to download a Noise Nuisance Log Sheet

If the log sheet is returned it will be assessed and if appropriate, an officer may visit at the times you specify the nuisance occurs in an effort to substantiate whether or not a nuisance exists. If the officer is satisfied that a statutory nuisance exists, a Noise Abatement Notice may be served on the person(s) causing the problem. You will be kept informed of the progress of the complaint. There is a right of appeal against this Notice to the Magistrates Court.

Where work is required to meet the terms of the notice a period of time will be given to allow it to be carried out. Failure to comply with the notice after that time is a criminal offence and the person can be prosecuted. Where a prosecution is taken through the courts, the noise log will be submitted as evidence, and you will be required to verify to the log’s accuracy by giving a formal statement, and are also likely to be required to attend as a supporting witness. In particular the court will need to identify how the noise nuisance has affected/interfered with your reasonable enjoyment of your property.

The success of any prosecution is directly related to the standard of your evidence, other complainants’ evidence and/or the supporting evidence of an Environmental Health Officer and Technical Officer. If officers are unable to substantiate your complaint you will be informed, and provided with information as to how you can take alternative action, if you so wish, through the Magistrates Court.

Tel: 01594 812407 or 01594 812429 or email: environmental.health@fdean.gov.uk 

For more information view the leaflets below:

Barking Dogs

Considerate Contractor Advice

Intruder Alarms

Private Action against Domestic Noise