Before you report a noise complaint
Before you make a noise report to us, we need you to
download a diary sheet (Word doc)
[103KB] and fill it in for at least 2 weeks, documenting the:
- frequency of the noise - we need to see how often the noise occurs
- duration of noise - we cannot investigate short periods of noise (no matter how often it occurs)
- effect of the noise - there must be evidence that the problem is unreasonable and has substantial interference with your life
Once you have done this, you can make a report on the following types of noise.
Barking dogs
Barking is a natural behaviour of dogs, so it is quite normal to hear barking in residential areas. However, persistent barking can constitute a statutory noise nuisance.
Before reporting this to us, you must attempt to speak to the owner of the dog to make them aware of the barking and to ask them to change the dog's behaviour. Only report to the council if your contact is unsuccessful.
You must download the
diary sheet (Word doc)
[103KB] and complete it for at least 2 weeks to establish a pattern of significant nuisance. Send in the completed diary sheet with your report so that the need for action can be assessed.
Report noise from barking dogs
Car and house alarms
Car and house alarms can cause problems, often when the householder is on holiday. To avoid disturbance to the public, all such alarm systems must be fitted with an automatic cut-out device that operates after a period of not more than 20 minutes following activation of the alarm.
Please only report this issue if noise nuisance is persistent and for a prolonged duration that a statutory nuisance may be caused.
Make sure all of this information is in the
diary sheet (Word doc)
[103KB] so that you can share it with us when you make your report.
If you wish to report an alarm which is sounding now, and is persistent and for a prolonged duration, call 01895 556000.
Report noise car and house alarms
DIY noise
Noise from DIY activities can be a disturbance if it is continuous or occurring at unreasonable hours.
DIY covers simple household tasks, such as:
- putting up shelves
- decorating
- gardening
- car maintenance
DIY does not cover larger scale works such as alterations to walls or building an extension (even if the work is carried out by the householder), in which case the hours of work must then be limited to those for larger building works. Read more about reporting noise from construction sites.
Make sure all of this information is in the
diary sheet (Word doc)
[103KB] so that you can share it with us when you make your report.
Report DIY noise
Loud music or TV
Loud TV and music coming from another property can make being in your own home difficult or impossible.
Before reporting this to us, you must attempt to speak to the person responsible for the noise. You can only report this issue to us if this contact has been unsuccessful.
Make sure all of this information is in the
diary sheet (Word doc)
[103KB] so that you can share it with us when you make your report.
Report loud TV or music noise
Neighbour's vehicles
Noise from vehicles, such as vehicle alarm, car repair or a motorbike, can be intrusive if persistent.
Report vehicle related noise