Noise can effect people in many ways. It is unrealistic to expect absolute quiet where we live but no one has the right to make as much noise as they like regardless of the time of day it occurs.

A statutory nuisance is prescribed by law and is either “prejudicial to health or a nuisance”. For example a statutory nuisance is something that is more than annoying. Each case is decided on it’s own merits and is assessed according to what a reasonable person would accept.

The type of noise, how loud it is, what time of day it takes place, how often it occurs and for how long it goes on are all factors considered. Basically it must be persistent. A noise that occurs very occasionally or is of short duration is unlikely to be a statutory nuisance.

Complaints we can deal with under Statutory Nuisance Legislation

• Loud Music
• Barking Dogs
• Burglar Alarms
• Television
• Musical Instruments
• Music from Pubs and Clubs
• DIY Noise and Car Repairs
• Noise from Parties
• Commercial Noise (e.g. Extraction systems)
• Bird Scarers
• Raves (with the police)

Noise complaints we can deal with under The Control of Pollution Act

• Construction and Building Sites (Considerate Constructors Scheme)

We can not deal formally with:

• Slamming Doors
• Household Appliances
• Noise from Children
• Flooring (hard floor noise)
• Garden implement noise
• Shouting
• Fireworks
• Road Traffic Noise
• Pets and Fireworks

To report a noise complaint, please complete our Report Noise form.