| Environmental Protection Torbay Council Roebuck House Abbey Road Torquay TQ2 5TF | |
| ep @torbay.gov.uk | |
| 01803 208091 | |
| 01803 208854 | |
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Neighbourhood Noise
We receive hundreds of complaints about noise caused by neighbours each year.
The main problems are:
- Loud music, TV's or radios
- Barking dogs
- Shouting
- Banging doors
- DIY activities
If you have neighbours you must expect to hear them sometimes. You cannot expect absolute silence. Don't forget, if you can hear them they can probably hear you.
Three reasons why you could be disturbed by noise from neighbours
- They are behaving unreasonably – playing their music or TV too loud.
- There is poor sound insulation between the dwellings.
- You could have become over-sensitive to their sounds.
What Can You Do?
- Approach your neighbour and explain politely that you are being troubled by the noise. They may genuinely not be aware that they are causing a problem and reduce the noise.
- If this is not successful, write to your neighbour. Explain the effect the noise is having on you and ask them to stop making a noise nuisance. Keep a copy of the letter.
- Start a noise diary. Record the dates and times of any noise problems, note what is causing the noise, its duration and the effect that it has on you. Keep copies of any letters sent and of notes of any discussions you have about the noise, with the person causing the problems.
- If the noise nuisance continues or if you are worried about contacting the person causing the noise, you can contact the Environmental Protection Section of Torbay Council. Explain the problem, and give them the noise diary. Ask them to investigate the problem for you.
- If your neighbours are council tenants you can also send a copy of the information to the Housing Services Department.
What will the Council Do?
The Environmental Protection Section will look at your complaint and noise diary to see what the problem is.
If they are able to they will deal with the complaint without revealing your name to the person causing the noise, unless you give permission for it be given.
However, it may take court action to stop the noise and the Council may need you to act as a witness. You should be aware of this, but it may not come to that stage.
The Environmental Protection Section will usually write to the people alleged to be causing the noise, and explain the situation to them . This usually cures many noise complaints.
If the problem continues and is considered a statutory nuisance an abatement notice will be served and followed up to get the noise stopped. If the property is part of a Housing Association then they should be informed as noise nuisance may be breach of the tenancy agreement which will require separate action.
Take Your Own Action
You can use the same law as the Council to take your own action in the Magistrates Court. The Environmental Protection Section or the Clerk to the Magistrates Court can give you more information about this.
Good Neighbour Noise Checklist
Here are some tips on how not to create a noise and upset the neighbours.
- Try not to put the TV or hi-fi speakers against party wall.
- When playing music in the evening turn it down at a reasonable time.
- Better still use headphones if you want to play your music loud or late at night.
- If you are having a party, let your neighbours know. Most people will make allowances for the occasional party.
- Above all be reasonable.
For further information and advice on neighbourhood noise contact the Environmental Protection Team.
Related Documents
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