Report noise disturbance

Some noise is normal:

• If your home is close to another building, you may hear your neighbours and vice versa
• Dogs may bark occasionally
• Building work can cause temporary noise, often permitted by planning consent
• Business activities generate normal noise, which may be allowed or limited by permissions
• Pubs and clubs may be permitted to play music late at night under their licences

However, if you experience excessive noise between 11.00pm and 7.00am, we may be able to help.

Types of noise we cannot address

These include:

• general environmental noise, without a clear source
• noise from children playing
• normal daily noise such as footsteps or doors slamming
• road or aircraft noise

Loud, one-time disturbances, like a party or licensed event music, can be reported via our 24 hour number 01793 466453. We can advise on steps to take and access out-of-hours support if needed.

Before contacting us, try to resolve the issue directly by speaking to or writing to the person or business involved. Complete and upload diary sheets and a statement to help us understand the problem.

Download the information pack below containing guidance, a template note for talking to your neighbour, and diary sheets. These are required before we can investigate: 

• Noise nuisance information and diary pack (not dogs)
• Dog barking information and diary pack
• Bird noise information and diary pack

Parts of your diary may be shared with the noise source. Cases demonstrating serious or ongoing issues may be referred to an Environmental Health Officer, and we may install monitoring equipment.

In severe cases, legal action including abatement notices or prosecution may be taken, which can take time.

Report a noise nuisance online

If you have already tried to deal with an issue with the person or business and you have completed diary sheets for a period of three weeks, complete the following form and upload your completed documents.

If you have provided a completed diary sheet pack and confirmed that you have attempted to resolve the issue with your neighbour directly, we will be in touch within five working days. 

If you do not upload the required documents, you will be automatically reminded to do so after three weeks. Your case will close after six weeks if we do not hear from you with completed documents.