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Noise
Noise nuisance is on the increase as lifestyles change, but issues such as barking dogs and amplified music are still the most common types of complaints we receive. Where a complaint of a statutory nuisance is made to the Council, we have a duty to take steps to investigate the complaint and take steps to the remedy the situation where a statutory nuisance is proved to exist .
Upon receiving a complaint we will require you to keep records of the 
noise nuisance. This may be used as evidence in a Magistrates Court at a later date. After submitting these records, our officers will undertake an investigation using a range of equipment including sound level meters and digital recordings.
Where a nuisance is found to exist, or is likely to occur or re-occur legal action may be taken against the person responsible to abate and prevent its recurrence.
We have produced a noise nuisance leaflet called Don't Alarm Your Neighbours to help you deal with this problem. The leaflet guides people through all the relevant contact details and the process of how to make a complaint to us.
Sound Advice – to help you deal with domestic din
Muffle that Music - Amplified music or sound is the most commonly complained about noise – so keep the volume down and place speakers away from partition walls, floors and ceilings (this applies to TVs too).
Party Peace - If you have a party, warn your neighbours in advance and consider inviting them. Keep windows and doors shut and if someone complains, turn it down.
Banish Barking - Barking Dogs are commonly complained about too – a barking dog is lonely, bored or unhappy. If you have to leave your dog, make sure it has had enough exercise. If necessary leave the radio on to keep it company and get a neighbour to look in.
Be a Quieter Consumer - We use many noisy appliances around the home – operate them at sensible hours to reduce disturbance. Make sure washing machines and fridges are away from party walls, and on a mat or carpet to reduce vibration. When buying a new appliance ask about noise ratings, and choose the quieter option.
Don’t Alarm Your Neighbours - Alarms are annoying. If you have a house alarm, you should be able to register a key holder with us – this will save your neighbours trouble and you expense if your alarm goes off while you are away.
DIY Din - Do noisy jobs when it will least disturb your neighbours. If you warn them in advance they are less likely to complain.
Think About Floors - Before sanding your floors or laying laminate flooring – consider the layout of rooms – especially if you live in a flat or terraced house. Many leases prohibit hard floors – for good reason.
Garden Grooming - Use power tools with discretion – avoid strimming or shredding when your neighbours are trying to relax in the sunshine. Splashing fountains and tinkling chimes soothe on a sunny afternoon – but can be annoying at night.
Sssh – Don’t Shout - Do you really need to shout to be heard? Consider the volume of your voice. In properties with poor sound insulation and outdoors – everyone can hear you! Also, avoid slamming doors and thundering up and down stairs.
Finally – Fireworks - Consider the consequences of firework noise. Fireworks frighten pets and people – and can harm hearing. If you must have fireworks at your celebration, avoid the ear splitting variety and warn your neighbours.
For more in depth information, you could also try the Environmental Protection UK website.
For further information on noise please contact us on 01246 242424 or submit an enquiry form
Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 January 2011 10:46
