Domestic noise and noisy neighbours
Loud noise from neighbours can be frustrating and stressful.
Our Pollution and Licensing section resolves most complaints through advice and informal action.
What the Council can investigate
- Persistent noise from barking dogs and other animals
- Loud music/loud televisions
- Regular loud parties
- Regularly occurring intruder alarms
- Construction and building works
What the Council cannot investigate
- Noise from babies crying or children playing
- Vehicle and road traffic noise
- Occasional residential parties
- ‘Normal’ everyday living noise e.g noise from appliances, banging of doors, gardening equipment
- People arguing
Before making a complaint
Before filing a complaint, you should first try to talk to your neighbor about the issue, but only if it's safe to do so. They may not even realise they are causing a problem, and a simple conversation can help you maintain a good relationship.
If you're not comfortable speaking to them in person, consider writing a polite letter instead. If you need advice on how to approach them, Council officers can offer guidance.
Noise nuisance diary
Before you make a noise complaint, you need to complete a noise diary. Download our noise diary template.
The Council is very limited in investigating noise complaints if diary sheets are not provided.
We recommend completing a noise diary for the following time periods:
- 7 days if the noise is a daily occurrence
- 14 days if the noise occurs several times a week
- 28 days if the noise occurs several times a month
Making a complaint
If the situation hasn't improved after taking the previous steps, you can make a complaint to the Council.
Make sure you have completed the diary sheets to support your complaint.
Under no circumstances will the Council accept anonymous complaints.