Noise Nuisance

We deal with the following type of noise complaints under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993 and Noise Act 1996:

• Animal Noises
• Commercial noise
• Construction noise
• Entertainment noise
• Industrial noise
• Intruder alarms
• Neighbour noise
• Vehicle alarms

A noise nuisance can be any noise that is coming from another property so that it affects your enjoyment of your property and is unreasonable. We cannot deal with traffic noise or noise from people shouting or fighting in the street.

What happens if I complain about noise?

Once you have contacted us we will discuss the matter with you. After this we will send you some noise log sheets and will write to the alleged noisemaker. They will not be told who has made the compaint.  You will be asked to fill in the log sheets for 14 days, after which time you must return them to us for further action to be taken. Dictaphones are available if you find written logsheets difficult to work with. Once we have received your log sheets we will assess them and we may arrange to carry out visits to establish whether a statutory nuisance (a legally defined nuisance) exists.

When we consider if a statutory nuisance exists we will take into account the type, volume and duration of the noise, the time(s) of day and how often it happens.  If we actually witness a nuisance a notice will be served to stop it. The notice has a 21 day appeal and this would be heard in the Magistrate's Court.  You may be required to give evidence in court.   If the alleged noisemaker doesn't comply with the noticeand stop the noise, they may be prosecuted in the Magistrate's Court, again you may be required to give evidence.

Useful factsheets

Downloadable factsheets on noise nuisance:

• Noise Control and the complaint procedure  (112.83 KB)
• Keeping the Peace - practical measures to minimise noisy domestic household activities, and what to do if a complaint is made against you  (113.03 KB)
• Taking Your Own Action - guidance notes  (113.05 KB)
• Audible Intruder (Burglar) Alarms - guidance notes and report form  (113.15 KB)
• Cockerel Crowing - practical measures to minimise crowing  (111.72 KB)
• Fireworks - guidance on changes to the law  (22.86 KB)

What you can expect from us

We aim to respond to your initial complaint within 2 working days.

Click here to see how quickly we aim to deal with your enquiries

For more information contact:

Environmental Protection, Environmental Services,
Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, Worcs. WR10 1PT

Telephone: 01386 565015 - between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
Fax: 01386 561826
Email: environmental.health@wychavon.gov.uk