Noise problems

How can you deal with noise problems?

The first thing you should do is speak to the person or business who is causing the noise problem.  They may not realise there is a problem and will often help.

What can the council do about noise problems?

Noises we can deal with

Domestic noise - loud music, barking dogs, audible alarms;

Commercial/ industrial noise - noise from a commercial premises (e.g. shops, pubs); factories and industrial sites; construction and demolition noise; audible alarms

Vehicles - car alarms; and car stereos (when the vehicle is stationary).

Noises that we can't deal with

• children or youths causing annoyance
• shouting/ screaming and banging of doors
• noise from traffic including noisy exhausts
• military aircraft or civil aircraft
• fireworks (the Council do not have any local rules for setting off fireworks)

How to report a noise problem that the Council can deal with

You can report noise nuisance online using the link below. You will need to give your name and address, and the name (if you know it) and address of the person causing the problem.

Report a pollution problem Report a pollution problem

Once you have registered a complaint you will be put on our out of hours register.  You should then contact us each time a noise problem occurs and we will investigate where possible.  If the noise is witnessed by the investigating officer they will decide if it is a statutory nuisance.  The noise may need to be witnessed a number of times.  

If it is decided that the noise is a nuisance then an abatement notice will be served on the person responsible for the noise.  If they fail to keep to this notice then they will be prosecuted.  You may be asked to appear in court as a witness.

How can you prevent too much noise from your home?

• don't put speakers on the walls
• make sure you can hear the doorbell over the music or TV
• keep volume levels low late at night
• tell your neighbours if you are having a party
• do not leave your dog unattended for long periods of time
• if your dog is barking - see why and quieten it
• do not use your washing machine or tumble dryer late at night
• if you are returning from a night out keep noise levels down - close car doors gently and speak quietly
• above all be reasonable if your neighbour approaches you with a problem

If you make too much noise and are prosecuted then the council has the power to remove all equipment that may contribute to the nuisance. This includes televisions, DVD and Blu-ray players, stereos, radios, games consoles and computers. If found guilty of the nuisance then the council can apply to keep these items. You will also have a criminal record.

Remember sounds are too loud if

• you can't talk to someone two metres away without shouting. Take a break and go to a quieter area
• you can't hear properly or have ringing in your ears after exposure to high levels of noise.