Everyone's perception of noise nuisance is different. It's not just about sound levels in decibels but of what is acceptable to the average person.
Noise is generally considered to be unwanted sound, but what one person considers an unwanted sound, may not seem unreasonable to someone else.
As an enforcing authority, we have to decide what is reasonable and what is not, before taking action.
How we deal with your complaints
When a complaint is made to our service the first thing we do is check whether there have been any similar complaints made for the same property in the past. If we have received no similar complaints in the last 12 months we consider this to be a 'New Complaint'.
Our first response is to send a letter, informing the occupiers of the household that a complaint has been made, and a second letter is sent to the complainant informing them what is being done and the procedures we follow. We will normally ask you to complete diary sheets to enable us to look in depth at the times of day the problems arise and the extent of the problem, if it persists.
Certain types of noise are difficult for us to assess and we may ask you to contact us at the time when a problem is being experienced. If an officer is available and considers there to be a potential problem they will endeavour to make a visit.
If a nuisance is witnessed by an officer, a statutory noise abatement will be served to prevent a recurrence of the problem. Any breach of this notice may lead to prosecution and/or seizure of noise making equipment.
For informal help and advice on resolving problems between neighbours or colleagues contact Cambridge Mediation Service on 01223 302514.
If you are troubled by noise during the day, or have a general enquiry, you can contact the Environmental Protection Team by telephoning us on (01223) 457890 or by email: env.health@cambridge.gov.uk.
Between 7pm and 7am every night and between 9am and 5pm at weekends and Bank Holidays we operate an out of hours noise service for serious noise problems. The action undertaken depends on the nature of the problem, time of day, and whether this is a first time complaint or a recurring problem.
The telephone number for this service (only) is 01223 457457.
- Please note that the City Council has no jurisdiction in respect of noise from aircraft or trains.
- For train and railway noise, contact the Network Rail Helpline on 0845 711414.
- For noise from Marshall's Airport, contact them on 01223 373950.
Leaflets
A number of leaflets are available from the Customer Service Centre regarding noise:
- Bothered by Noise - General advice on noise and the law,including getting involved in the planning stages
- Noise Problems - Information on the noise service run by the council
- Constant Barking Can Be Avoided - Helpful tips on training your dog
- A Busker's Guide - Cambridge City Council's code of practice for Buskers
- Trouble Between Neighbours? - Information on the Cambridge Mediation Service
- Noise Pollution - NSCA produced leaflet on noise pollution
- Neighbour Noise - NSCA leaflet on dealing with noise from neighbours
Contact env.health@cambridge.gov.uk or telephone 01223 457900.
The Tenancy Agreement Service provides useful information on landlord and tenancy issues, and advice on noise and nuisance issues.
Street noise & buskers
- This can include amplifiers or machinery in the street, if they are considered to be causing a noise nuisance
- However, for machinery involved in road works, only the best practicable means need to be shown
- Stationary vehicles can be investigated, (e.g. car alarms) but we have no enforcement powers over moving vehicles
- The police may take action against excessive engine noise or over-loud stereos under the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations
- A Busker's Code has been developed to help minimise disturbance from street performers. A leaflet is available detailing how best to avoid complaints from shop keepers or residents
- If you are being disturbed by a performer, consider how long they have been there. If it is over an hour, try approaching them informally
Loud music
- Most of the complaints to the service are about loud music from houses and flats, but these are not just parties going on to the early hours. Not everyone appreciates the same level or type of music, particularly if it prevents them from sleeping.
- Try to keep your music at a reasonable level, especially at night or when your doors and windows are open.
- Remember that sound travels through walls and ceilings too, especially if the sound insulation is not very good. You might consider isolating your speakers from the floor.
- In the event of serious and persistent noise disturbance this department has the power to seize and retain stereo equipment.
Noise from parties
Whilst we don’t want to stop people having fun, we do have a duty to investigate and, if noise is causing a statutory nuisance, we have a duty to serve an Abatement Notice. So, we have come up with the following guidelines for party holders, which may reduce the likelihood of complaints. We still have a duty to investigate, even if you have followed this advice.
- Try to hold the party somewhere where your neighbours will not hear the music. (Should you hire a hall?)
- Warn neighbours in advance, not just those who live next door, but people across the road and those who back on to your property. This gives them the option to go away for the night, if they can. You might consider inviting them.
- Give your neighbours a finishing time, one that is reasonable, and stick to it. Even the most tolerant of neighbours won’t accept being kept awake all night. Give them a number to call if they need to let you know of a problem and, if they call you, respond appropriately.
- Keep music levels down, especially the bass, and do not hire in a disco at your home. Think carefully about where you put the speakers, to minimise sound breakout and do not play loud music outdoors.
- Reduce music levels after, say, 11 p.m., when neighbours may want to sleep.
- Bring people inside before 11 p.m., even if you start the party outdoors, and close windows and doors, to control noise more easily.
- Don’t invite too many people for the size of your property, and know your guests, so that you can trust them, as you will be responsible for them.
- Say goodbye indoors and ask your guests to leave quietly, without slamming your door or their car doors, on their way home.
- Do not have parties too often, as complaints are more likely when people are disturbed regularly.
Noise from barking dogs
We receive a lot of complaints concerning barking dogs. This can be for a number of reasons, particularly if a dog is left alone for long periods and sometimes the owner may not realise that there is a problem.
Our Dog Wardens will be pleased to advise you in preventing your dog from barking.
The Dogs Trust leaflet provides advice on what you can do to prevent your dog from barking.
Noise from audible intruder, smoke and fire alarms
Submit a voluntary key holder record.
If you have an urgent complaint about an audible alarm please call us on 01223 457890 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 9am and 4.30pm on Friday.
Noise from public entertainment
All public entertainment events are licensed by this department to ensure public safety and to prevent unreasonable noise disturbance.
Licences may have conditions attached to them to achieve this.
Noise from DIY
We often get complaints about about DIY and this can sometimes be very noisy. If you intend to carry out DIY, inform your neighbours in advance. Avoid DIY in the early morning or evening when neighbours may be trying to sleep.
Noise from Building sites
Construction work is inevitably noisy, but Local Authorities have powers enabling them to regulate noise from construction and demolition sites. With this in mind, we may sometimes restrict the working hours of certain onsite operations at the planning stage.
Noise from car alarms
Car alarms should be properly maintained: If an officer witnesses a car alarm sounding that is likely to be a nuisance to residents in the area, a notice can be served on the owner.
If the owner can not be found within one hour, a contractor will be called to disconnect the alarm, but if that proves impossible the vehicle may be removed.
The cost of this work will be recovered from the car owner.
Noise from Businesses
Businesses must be able to show that they are using the best practicable means of preventing a noise nuisance. If a potential noise problem is identified, it may be necessary for officers to monitor the situation and determine if work practices or the machinery used are adequate. This may include pilers, drills, generators, compressors etc.
We also investigate complaints about noise nuisance caused by vehicle movements, music, noisy fans and air handling equipment.