Make a complaint about noise

What we will do

We will assess your complaint to determine whether it is classed as a statutory noise nuisance (see Gov.uk's guide to noise nuisance). If it is, we will investigate it. Examples of noise that we will investigate are:

• barking dogs
• loud music
• loud entertainment from pubs or clubs
• noise from industrial and commercial premises
• noise from construction and demolition sites 

Examples of noise complaints that we do not investigate are:

• anonymous complaints
• traffic, aircraft and trains
• people in the street
• reasonable noise from homes or commercial premises, such as a baby crying or hoovering

How we deal with your complaint

If your complaint is classed as a statutory noise nuisance, the steps we take depend on the type of complaint. We may:

• contact the person or business making the noise
• visit the area where the complaint is made
• use equipment to gather evidence
• ask you to record incidents using The noise app (or our Noise information leaflet and diary sheets (PDF, 150.9kb) )

First steps

In the first instance, we will try to resolve your complaint informally, through speaking directly to the people or business you've complained about.

Legal approach

If this informal approach doesn't work, we will serve a notice (abatement notice), telling them to stop. If they don't, they are breaching this notice and we will be able to prosecute them.

What you can do

There are actions you could take without involving us:

• Talk to the person responsible for making the noise - they could be unaware that they are causing a problem. Do not attempt to do this if you feel threatened.
• Write to them - you may prefer to explain what the problem is in a letter ( Template Nuisance Neighbour Letter (PDF, 46.7kb) ).
• Use mediation - the Restorative Hub can take on the role as mediator between you and your neighbour. It does not involve us. It is voluntary and free to use.