Noise nuisances

A noise nuisance is noise that interferes significantly with your right to enjoy your home.

Noise is not a statutory nuisance just because it is loud. The person responsible for the noise must be acting unreasonably.

We also consider:

• how often the noise occurs
• how long the noise sounds for
• how loud it is
• the time of day or night
• the character of the noise (whether it has any particularly annoying characteristics)
• the nature of the area

We can usually take action for persistent noise disturbance from:

• amplified music
• barking dogs
• DIY activities
• car and burglar alarms
• building sites (if the noise is outside specified working hours)
• noisy deliveries
• licensed premises
• commercial and industrial activities
• plant and equipment (machinery noise, such as air conditioning and extractor fans etc)

We cannot take action for noises such as:

• general domestic noise transmitted through poor sound insulation
• children playing inside and outside premises
• shouting and fighting
• traffic noise
• aircraft noise
• noise from rowdy or antisocial behaviour in the street or public places