Noise Nuisance
Noise is unwanted sound. It can cause
disruption and distress to anyone - at home, at leisure, at work
and at study.
Everyone is entitled to reasonable enjoyment of their home and
garden and...
- To have an undisturbed nights sleep
- Not to hear someone elses excessive noise in their property on
a regular basis
Being a good neighbour
This usually involves a certain degree of “live and let live”.
Most of us will accept a bit of noise now and then especially
people who live in properties with an adjoining wall.
However regular disturbance from neighbours is annoying
and causes bad neighbour relations.
Do you have noisy neighbours?
Most noise complaints received by our team relate to loud
music and dog barking. If you are in this situation we
are here to help. We are independent and assess the
situation based on circumstances which an ordinary reasonable
person would tolerate.
If we investigate and find a statutory nuisance is being caused we
have a duty to serve an abatement notice. Failure to comply
with an abatement notice can lead to a fine of up to £5000 and can
include permanent seizure of all noise making equipment including
Hi-fi, TV, CD’s etc.
What to do if you have a noise problem
In the first place it may be helpful to approach the person
responsible and explain to then the nature of the problem. They may
not realize thay are causing a problem and you may well be able to
resolve the situation quickly and amicably. You can also contact
Citzens Advice for
information about your rights or Ashford Mediation Service
who may be able to help by mediating between you and your
neighbour.
However, if you do need to speak to us please call 01233 330645
or 01233 330571.
You can also report a noise complaint by
completing our Report Noise form.
How we deal with the complaint will depend on 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. Each case is decided on
it's own merits and is assessed according to what a reasonable
person would accept.
A noise that occurs very occasionally or is of short
duration is unlikely to be a statutory nuisance.
Things we cannot deal with formally include:
- Slamming doors
- Household appliances
- Noise from children
- Hard floor noise
- Shouting
Council tenants
Complaints about council tenants should be directed to the
Housing Team on 01233 330688 - ask to speak to the housing manager
for your area.
Road traffic noise
The council does not have any legislation to deal with general
noise from vehicles on a road.
We are not able to deal with one-off events or moving vehicles
with loud car stereos.
Fireworks
The Police have powers under the Firework Regulations 2004 to
deal with people who are irresponsible with fireworks.
They also prohibit use of fireworks between 11pm and 7am in England
and Wales. Tto find out more visit our fireworks webpage.
This webpage was updated on
12/22/2011