This page contains advice about dealing with some common sources of noise.
Street noise
Street noise includes amplifiers or machinery in the street, if they are considered to be causing a noise nuisance.
However, for machinery involved in road works the law does not consider it a nuisance if it can be proved that it is the best practicable means to carry out the work.
Stationary vehicles can be investigated, eg car alarms, but we have no enforcement powers over moving vehicles.
The police may take action against excessive engine noise or over-loud stereos.
Buskers
A street performers code of practice has been developed to help minimise disturbance from street performers.
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 we receive are about loud music from houses and flats.
Not everyone appreciates the same level or type of music, particularly if it prevents them from sleeping.
Please try to keep 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.
To help reduce sound levels you might consider isolating your speakers from the floor.
In the event of serious and persistent noise disturbance we have the power to seize and retain stereo equipment.
Barking dogs
We receive a lot of complaints about 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 Dog Trust has some useful leaflets available about dog behaviour and barking in particular.
Intruder alarms
You can submit a voluntary key holder record to ensure misfiring alarms can be turned off if you are not around.
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.
Public entertainment
All public entertainment events are licensed by the council to promote national licensing objectives, including public safety and the prevention of public nuisance.
Licences may have conditions attached to them to achieve this.
More information can be found in our licensing and permissions pages.
Noise from DIY
We often get complaints about about DIY as this can sometimes be very noisy.
If you intend to carry out DIY, please inform your neighbours in advance.
Avoid DIY in the early morning or evening when neighbours may be trying to sleep.
Building sites
Construction work is inevitably noisy, but we have powers enabling us 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.
Car alarms
Car alarms should be properly maintained. If a council 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 cannot 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.
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.
