Noisy neighbours

What is a domestic noise nuisance?

A noise nuisance is any regular noise that prevents somebody enjoying their home.   Although it is unreasonable to expect total quiet at all times in your home, neither are you expected to put up with frequent noise intrusions.

The following examples could be considered a noise nuisance:

• excessively loud music/TV noise coming from a neighbouring property
• D.I.Y. noise at inappropriate time, continual unnecessary improvements, or when it could be carried out in a quieter manner
• a dog barking for long periods at anti-social times.

What noise problems can't we deal with?

We can't help if a noise complaint is :

• just part of a larger conflict between neighbours who generally do not get on
• if you are more sensitive to noise that the average person or
• if the problem has long periods between occurrences.

Examples of noise nuisance we cannot deal with:

• household noise such as vacuums and washing machines at reasonable hours
• traffic noise from vehicles on the highway
• Noise from children's voices while playing
• People mowing their lawns 
• aircraft noise including military

Many noise nuisance complaints are in fact merely a small part of a very complex situation, and often relationships between neighbours were strained before any noise incidents.  In such cases you may approach the magistrates court yourself using Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.  The court can then decide the right and wrongs of the specific situation.

How do I report a nuisance noise to the council?

Details about how to make a complaint and how the council will deal with it can be found in the report a problem section.