We can act on excessive levels of noise from commercial or industrial properties considered to be a statutory noise nuisance. We need to monitor the noise complained of from within your home or premises.

For a noise to be classed as a statutory nuisance, it would need to be unreasonable and substantial and not just an annoyance. It must be:

• significant enough to disturb you in your home and interfere with everyday life
• caused by some unreasonable or unusual act or omission or behaviour

Before you report a noise problem to us, you should try to speak to the person responsible for the noise.

If talking with them does not resolve the problem, or you do not feel like you can approach them, you could write a letter. We have a letter template that you can use to do this.

Noise we can deal with

We can investigate:

• unreasonable noise such as loud music from pubs, clubs, and bars
• complaints relating to a breach of Premises Licence, for example, noise from a venue's outside area beyond the hours allowed on their licence - this will also need to be referred to our Licensing team
• noise from intruder alarms
• noise from construction sites or building works outside of permitted hours (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, Saturday, 8am to 1pm)
• noise from plant, machinery, or equipment such as air handling units, refrigeration units or extraction fans

Noise we cannot deal with

We cannot investigate:

• traffic noise, revving engines, idling engines, car stereos, sounding horns
• noise from trains or aircraft
• track works to rail (at any time)
• noise made by military forces
• noise from campaigning or demonstrations
• rowdy behaviour in the street

We cannot investigate if you do not know where the noise is coming from or if you refuse to provide us with your name and contact details. Please make sure your complaint is regarding something we have the power to deal with before reporting it.

Report a commercial noise nuisance

Take your own action through the courts

If all else fails, you can take legal action.