Noise
Noise disturbance is by far the most common type of anti-social behaviour reported to us and nearly every aspect of anti-social behaviour involves some level of noise whether it be loud music, parties, banging, alcohol related disorder, or foul and abusive language.
Before making a formal complaint to us we would ask you to speak to the person who is making the noise and make them aware of how you are being affected. They may not have any idea that their behaviour is affecting you. We strongly recommend you do not retaliate, if you get into a tit-for-tat situation (e.g. they play loud music at 2am, so next night you hoover at 5am, so then the next they start banging on the walls, etc.) it can quickly get out control.
If speaking to your neighbour proves unsuccessful or you do not feel it is appropriate to approach your neighbour, then depending on the nature of your complaint, would dictate your next course of action. We will work in partnership with you in investigating the noise nuisance. However, if the noise is related to criminality or serious matters relating to anti social behaviour we will deal with this type of report via our anti social behaviour processes.
The Noise App
We use the The Noise App as a tool to investigate all noise complaints. You can only use the app if we have an open case with you; we will ask you to download the app and record the noise that you are experiencing. We will then listen to the recordings and assist you with an action plan to address the noise.
You don't have to record the whole event – just a representative snapshot of the noise as it is happening. You can record up to 30 seconds and if you need to, you can make several recordings to be added to the same case.
We will work in partnership with your Council Regulatory Services and Environmental Health Team if your case requires this approach.