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The Council investigates noise from commercial premises (eg pubs, clubs), industrial premises and from domestic premises. However, noise from aircraft and road traffic is specifically excluded from the legislation we can enforce. For further information call 01926 456725.
Report noise nuisance
Neighbour noise
Whether from dogs barking, loud stereos, shouting and banging etc., complaints are investigated, telephone 01926 456725. Download more information on neighbour noise (60kb, PDF) for more details, and record incidents of nuisance on a nuisance record sheet (63kb, PDF) . You can find more information about noise nuisance in council-owned properties on this website. You may also wish to consider whether the problem could more easily be resolved by mediation.
Alarms
Car alarms or alarms on buildings, if sounding for prolonged periods, can cause nuisance. Complaints are investigated - see Intruder Alarms
Commercial noise
Complaints are dealt with about noisy pubs or clubs etc. This may involve investigation of the licensing conditions related to the premises. Noise nuisance from factories, pubs, clubs etc can all be dealt with under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and each case needs to be assessed on its merits. The fact that a noise causes annoyance does not necessarily mean that the local authority can take formal action to stop it, but we will advise and investigate and, where necessary, use our statutory powers to prevent nuisance being caused. Telephone 01926 456725.
Construction sites
Noise from temporary works can be significant, and controls to limit hours of work and equipment used can be exercised. Building and repair works have the potential to cause severe disruption through noise. In the main, people do tolerate such noise because it is for short periods. However, where major works are being carried out or when there is night time work, there may be cause for complaint. Telephone 01926 456725, and the Environmental Services Unit will investigate noise from construction sites and building works and where necessary take formal action to abate noise nuisance.
It should be borne in mind that there may be limits to our controls. Such work inevitably takes place and therefore we look to ensure that the “best practicable means” are used to prevent noise nuisance. We may, for example, seek to limit working hours or require that certain methods of working are not used.
DIY building work may also result in annoyance to neighbours. There needs to be a common sense approach to carrying out such work to ensure that neighbours are not unreasonably disturbed. For example, the avoidance of noisy work at unsociable hours and keeping neighbours informed if noisy work is to take place.
Noise in the street
Noise from vehicles, equipment and machinery in the street can constitute a nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This does not mean that one-off incidents for short periods can be dealt with. There would need to be an element of repetition or of the noise occurring for a prolonged period. There are restrictions on the use of loud speakers in the street. These are laid down in the Control of Pollution Act 1974.
Helicopter noise
The noise nuisance provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 do not control aircraft / helicopter noise. Unless safety is being compromised or planning law is contravened, we can only refer you to the site operator. For further advice on planning issues, please contact the Council's Enforcement Officers on 01926 456557. For further advice on safety issues, please contact the Civil Aviation Authority's Safety Regulation Group at Aviation House, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR or through their website at www.caa.co.uk
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