Pollution control - noise - neighbourhood
Summary
Noise from neighbours or neighbouring property is a common source of nuisance. The main problems are due
to DIY noise, loud music or TV noise, commercial or industrial noise.
The Environmental Protection Team is able to investigate the majority of complaints about noise.
Further information
Can the Council investigate noise from neighbours or a commercial or industrial source?
If the noise is occurring for a prolonged period of time or on a frequent basis then the Council can investigate the noise under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Environmental protection officers will investigate to determine whether a statutory nuisance exists.
What is a statutory nuisance?
There is no set definition but it is normally defined as a “material interference with the comfort and enjoyment of another’s home.”
In practice, to be a statutory nuisance, the noise would have to be excessive and unreasonable under the circumstances and significantly interfere with the use and enjoyment of someone’s home. For example: disturbance of sleep, forcing you to close a window, preventing you from using your garden etc due to the level, time, frequency and duration of the noise.
How does the Council investigate complaints about noise?
An environmental protection officer would try to establish whether the noise is a statutory nuisance. To do this they would want to know:
- The time of the day
- Your location e.g. urban/rural
- The duration of noise
- The volume of the noise
- The character of the noise
A noise nuisance may be caused by many activities including music, DIY, fans and motors and barking dogs. Unfortunately noise from road and air traffic cannot be dealt with.
What action can the Council take?
If the environmental protection officer is satisfied that a statutory nuisance exists, a notice can be served on the person responsible for the noise or the owner of the premises where the person responsible is not known. The notice could stop the noise from recurring.
How do I take private action?
Under section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, any person may make a complaint directly to the Magistrates Court on the grounds that they are aggrieved by a statutory nuisance. It is advisable to contact a solicitor if you are considering taking private action.
External websites
Contact us
| Officer / Team | Environmental Protection Team |
|---|---|
| Postal address | Blaby District Council Council Offices Desford Road Narborough Leicester LE19 2EP |
| E-mail address | env.health@blaby.gov.uk |
| Telephone | 0116 272 7555 |
| Fax | 0116 272 7594 |
If you need this information in other languages or formats (large print, Braille or audio), please let us know when you contact us.
This page was last updated on 24th September 2009
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