We all suffer noise from our neighbours at some point. But when does a noisy neighbour become a nuisance, and what can you do about it?
What is domestic noise nuisance?
It is difficult to give an exact definition of noise nuisance. It's a fact of life that we all make noise at some time. It could be by shouting to others, watching TV, playing music, having a party or barbeque or generally going about our daily lives.
However, excessive and inconsiderate noise is unacceptable as it affects the quality of life in our neighbourhoods.
Are you suffering from noise nuisance?
If you feel that you are suffering from noise nuisance, then you should try talking to your neighbour. Many problems can be dealt with in a friendly way, and your neighbour may not even be aware they are causing a problem. However, if you feel frightened or intimidated by your neighbour and you are worried that they may be aggressive, approaching them to complain may not be the best option for you.
If talking to your neighbour is not possible or doesn't work, the council recommends that you contact them on 01724 297000.
Or use our online Noise Reporting Form.
What can North Lincolnshire Council do?
Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 covers noise nuisance. This law allows councils to deal with noise from fixed premises. Before action can be taken we have to be sure that the noise constitutes a statutory nuisance. This means that we have to prove that the noise is harmful to health and/or is causing an unreasonable and constant disturbance to your lifestyle.
Following a complaint, the council will take certain steps to stop the problem.
A council officer will write to you and provide you with a noise monitoring sheet and a letter asking you to keep a diary of the nuisance. A letter will also be sent to the alleged perpetrator telling them that a complaint has been made and that an investigation will be undertaken. This could involve the use of noise monitoring equipment. Often the nuisance is resolved at this stage.
If the nuisance continues, specialist noise-monitoring equipment can be installed inside your home. If evidence of noise amounting to a statutory nuisance is recorded then a Noise Abatement Notice can be issued.
If the Notice is breached at any time and witnessed by an officer, the matter will be placed before Scunthorpe Magistrate's Court for a criminal prosecution. Additionally, at the time of the breach a warrant will be sought and any noise making equipment at the property, which is capable of causing the nuisance, can be seized.
Prosecution in the Magistrate's Court can result in a fine of up to £5,000 and an order can be made that means any noise making equipment can be seized.
The council can then destroy the equipment, although efforts are made to donate any seized equipment to worthy causes. This is dependant on the equipment being in good working order and passing safety checks.
Issues regarding noise nuisance are mostly resolved in the early stages and legal action is frequently not necessary.
For more information see: