Commercial and industrial noise
Unwanted noise from businesses and industry that causes sleep loss may be considered a statutory nuisance, which the Council has the legal authority to address.
Typical noise complaints from commercial premises include:
- noisy fans or refrigeration plant
- early morning or late night deliveries and collections
- machinery noise from inside premises during the night
However, we also recognise the importance of local businesses. We'll work with them to ensure they're doing everything they can to minimise noise and operate as effectively as possible.
What you can do
Keep a noise nuisance diary to record what is happening. Download our noise diary template.
Once you have a record, contact the Council by making a complaint online.
What the Council will do
We will investigate complaints about noise from commercial and industrial premises, taking into account the type of noise and when it happens.
Our Pollution Officers will carry out detailed noise monitoring, and if the noise is found to be unreasonable, we can issue a legal notice to the business under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
This notice can set requirements for business operations, including making them take the highest possible measures to reduce noise.
This notice isn't always an instant solution, however, as the business will need time to make modifications to the plant or equipment.