Noise nuisance
We can intervene over noise complaints if we have sufficient evidence to do so.
We encourage the public to download The Noise App which allows recordings to be taken using your smartphone or tablet and be transmitted to us.
If you don't have a compatible device or prefer to provide written log sheets you can complete a paper form Noise Log Sheets. We must have sufficient evidence of a serious problem before taking legal action. This evidence can be through The Noise App, manual log sheets, recordings taken using our equipment and officer visits.
We must be satisfied that the noise is unreasonable taking into account loudness, time of day, how often it occurs and how long it lasts. We do not have powers to take action in relation to aircraft, noise from children or railway and road traffic noise.
For example, we commonly deal with noise from:
- DIY work
- barking dogs
- loud music
- construction sites
- pubs and clubs
- car and intruder alarms.
If you cannot resolve the issue by discussing it with the person causing the disturbance, and if the problem is persistent, you should report the noise to us:
You can report this using the form at the top of this page.
Construction site noise
Reasonable levels of noise are acceptable from a building site between 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm on Saturday. There should be no noise from sites on Sundays or Public Holidays. Occasionally planning permission will allow slight variations on these times.
You can report this using the form at the top of this page.
Vehicle alarms
When vehicle alarms sound they are most likely to be attended to by the owner within a reasonable length of time. Where they are unable to attend through holiday or being absent from the area, and the noise is causing a nuisance, we will consider taking action to silence the noise, and if necessary we will employ a locksmith to disable the alarm at the owner’s expense.
Further Information
Intruder alarms
Building work
Noise from DIY building works
Burglar alarms
Enjoying the party
Defra - Noise and Nuisance, Neighbourhood Issues