Excessive noise seriously harms human health and interferes with people’s daily activities. Some types of noise are anti-social behaviour and a statutory nuisance.
But more worrying is that noise can be an element of violent and harmful behaviour e.g. noise from loud music or television can be used to mask the sounds of domestic violence, and shouting and raised voices can be a sign of domestic violence or violent confrontations.
If you suspect the noise is related to domestic violence or a violent incident call the police on 999.
Noise from large ‘organized’ parties and large groups of people are potentially a public nuisance, may lead to criminal damage to property in the vicinity (particularly if the party gets out of control).
These types of large events or parties should be reported to the police on 101 however if there is violent behaviour or criminal damage then call the police on 999.
Below are some examples of types of noise that are likely to have a detrimental effect on the community. They may constitute anti-social behaviour (‘ASB’) and may also be statutory noise nuisances:
- Music and speech from a Hi-Fi or television operated at excessive volume
- Shouting and raised voices for prolonged periods
- Dogs barking for prolonged periods
- DIY activities at unreasonable times
- Burglar alarms that develop faults and sound repeatedly or do not cut out after 20 minutes
- Vehicle alarms that develop faults and sound repeatedly
- Music 'breakout' from licensed premises such as pubs and nightclubs
- Noise from industrial and commercial processes and activities which are not using 'Best Practicable Means' to control or minimise noise
- Noise from demolition or construction sites occurring at unreasonable times, or from un-silenced or poorly maintained equipment, or from not using 'Best Practicable Means' to control or minimise noise
If you are being disturbed by noise from a neighbour firstly consider approaching them yourself and explaining in a polite manner that you are being disturbed by their noise and explain how it is affecting you.
You may find this difficult but often people are unaware that they are causing a problem and most will be glad to do what they can to reduce noise. However, approach the matter carefully if you think your neighbour might react angrily to a complaint.
Alternatively you can call the Council’s Customer Services on 0115 9152000 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday
Nottingham City Council’s Community Protection Service has made arrangements with Nottinghamshire Police for dealing with ASB noise and so if you are affected by loud music/parties outside of the hours Customer Services is open, and you pay your Council Tax to Nottingham City Council, you can call the Police non-emergency number 101.
Noise arising from domestic violence incidents or other violent confrontations must be reported to the Police on 999. Please do not call 999 except in an emergency.
Noise from commercial, industrial or licensed premises are investigated by the Environmental Health and Safer Places Team.
Or call 0115 915 2020.
Alternatively you can call the Council’s Customer Services on 0115 915000 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Please click here report these types of noise problems. Alternatively you can call the Council’s Customer Services on 0115 9152000 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday
A Community Protection Officer ('CPO') will be tasked to investigate the alarm and contact the owner or occupier to arrange for the alarm to be switched off or reset. For externally sounding alarms, where the person responsible cannot be found quickly then the CPO will arrange for the alarm to be silenced.
If the alarm is an internal alarm and the person responsible cannot be found quickly, then the CPO will refer the case to the Environmental Health and Safer Places Team who will serve Notice on the person responsible, before applying to the Court to obtain a warrant to enter the property using reasonable force to silence the alarm.
Please note that resolving this type of alarm incident will inevitably be a longer process.