Report noise disturbance
Some level of noise is part of everyday life. If you are affected by ongoing or excessive noise, we may be able to help.
What we consider normal noise
You may hear everyday noise from nearby people, homes and businesses, including:
- neighbours in an adjoining property, particularly in flats or terraced homes
- dogs barking from time to time
- building work, which may be allowed under planning permission
- business activity, which may be limited by conditions or licences
- music from pubs and clubs, which may be allowed late at night under their licence
When we can help
We may be able to help if you experience excessive noise, especially between 11.00pm and 7.00am.
For a one-off disturbance, such as a party or licensed event, call our 24-hour number:
- Telephone: 01793 466453
We can advise you and, if needed, arrange out-of-hours support.
Noise we cannot investigate
We cannot usually take action on:
- general environmental noise without a clear source
- noise from children playing
- everyday household noise, for example footsteps or doors closing
- road traffic or aircraft noise
Try to resolve the issue first
Before you contact us, try to resolve the problem directly. You can do this by speaking to or writing to the person or business involved.
Keep a record of the problem using diary sheets. This helps us understand what is happening and decide if we can take action.
Download information and diary packs
You must complete the relevant diary sheets before we can investigate. Download the information and diary pack that matches your issue:
- Noise nuisance information and diary pack (not dogs)
- Dog barking information and diary pack
- Bird noise information and diary pack
What happens next
Parts of your diary may be shared with the person or business causing the noise.
If your case shows a serious or ongoing issue, we may:
- refer it to an Environmental Health Officer
- install noise monitoring equipment
In severe cases, we may take legal action. This can include serving a noise abatement notice or prosecution, which can take time.
Report a noise nuisance
If you have tried to resolve the issue and completed diary sheets for three weeks, report the problem online and upload your documents.
After you submit your report
If you confirm you have contacted the person or business and provide completed diary sheets, we will contact you within five working days.
If you do not upload the required documents:
- we will remind you after three weeks
- your case will close after six weeks if we do not receive them