Investigating noise complaints
We can investigate and act to deal with some noise issues. The noise must be significant, disturb you in your home or interfere with everyday life; it needs to continue for a long time or happen regularly.
Before you report a noise issue, try talking to the person responsible. Problems can often be quickly resolved this way. They may not be aware that they’re causing a problem, and most will be glad to do what they can to reduce the noise rather than involving the Council.
We can investigate many types of noise
- noisy neighbours e.g. loud music, shouting or DIY
- burglar and car alarms
- animals, like barking dogs or crowing cockerels
- practising musical instruments
- building sites
- equipment in a commercial property
- pubs and clubs
- deliveries or waste collections at a commercial property.
Typically, we can’t investigate:
- if you don’t know where the noise is coming from
- everyday household noise, such as footsteps, doors closing, vacuuming, washing machines, children playing, babies crying or talking
- traffic, aircraft or railway noise
- noise from outdoors sports
- noise from fireworks
- noise in the street, such as vehicles left running, car stereos, shouting or car horns
- emergency road works.
Things you need to know
- We need you to tell us the address of where the noise is coming from.
- We need your contact details; to keep you up to date - we do not respond to anonymous complaints.
- We will protect your identity from the person making the noise but, if the case goes to court, we may need you to give evidence.
- As part of any investigation, we may need to share your details with others, for example the Police or the landlord if your home is rented.
- We need you to work with us during the investigation.