In order to determine if the noise amounts to a statutory nuisance, we will try to gather first hand evidence of the noise. Read more about how we determine if noise is a statutory nuisance: However, if a case does end up going to court, you may be asked to give evidence, depending on the nature of the investigation, at which point your details would become known. If you report a problem with pollution all your personal details will be kept strictly confidential. Our officers will also try to witness the problem themselves and gather any further evidence as necessary. When making a complaint y ou will need to provide the address that is causing the alleged problem. Failure to return a completed diary sheet may jeopardise the investigation of a case. This is important as it allows us to target our resources effectively and prioritise cases, and to decide whether or not to use noise recording equipment. When we investigate an alleged nuisance, we will usually write to the person responsible for the alleged problem to inform them that a complaint has been made, and will send you a detailed diary sheet to fill in and return to us. Please note: it may take up to 10 working days to respond to your complaint. It can be useful if you have kept a record of when the alleged problem occurs and how it affects you, so we can decide what action can be taken. If you report a noise nuisance you will need to provide your contact details, so we can discuss your complaint with you before we investigate further. How does the council investigate my noise complaint? Read more about anti-social behaviour laws on the government's Legislation website. Read more about how we deal with anti-social behaviour, or view a copy of our enforcement policy. To be considered anti-social behaviour, the noise has to be having a detrimental effect, of a persistent or continuing nature, on the quality of life of those in the neighbourhood. Read more about statutory nuisance laws on the government's Legislation website. To be considered a statutory nuisance, the noise has to be serious enough to be interfering substantially with your well-being, or comfort and enjoyment of your property. Powers to deal with noise nuisance from vehicles, machinery and equipment in the street are also available in the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993. Legal powers to deal with noise are covered by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. When trying to resolve a noise problem informally, keep a copy of any letters you send and keep a record of any further conversations you have. Some people will ‘tune-in’ to a particular noise and find it annoying even when most other people would not. you may have become oversensitive to the noise, particularly if you do not get on with your neighbours.Read more about improving sound insulation. they may be behaving normally but the sound insulation between the properties is not sufficient to cut out the normal sounds of everyday living.they may be behaving unreasonably, such as playing loud music late at night.The most common reasons for being disturbed by noise from neighbours are: Remember, no home is totally soundproof - everyone can expect a certain amount of noise from their neighbours. Noise is a common source of annoyance and for some people it can be very upsetting. It can therefore be very subjective, and affect people differently. Noise is simply defined as unwanted sound. Neighbour noise letter (25kb) More advice on neighbour noise nuisance: It may also be useful to start keeping a diary of the dates and times of the noise nuisance, a description of the noise and the way it affects you. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to them directly, or have already tried unsuccessfully, we have provided an example template letter which you can amend for your situation and give to them. An informal approach is usually preferable, as your neighbour may not be aware that they are causing a problem, and involving the council can sometimes damage your relations with them. If noise is causing regular and unreasonable disturbance to you, it may amount to a statutory nuisance or anti-social behaviour.įirstly, you should try resolving your complaint by talking to your neighbour to make them aware of the problem. The most common domestic noise problems are caused by loud music or television, barking dogs, shouting, banging doors and DIY activities.
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