Dealing with Excessive Noise: A Public Safety Concern
Excessive noise poses serious health risks and can interfere with daily activities. Certain types of noise constitute anti-social behaviour and are considered 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 Violence:
If you suspect the noise is related to domestic violence or a violent incident call the police on 999.
Large Organised Parties and Public Nuisance:
Noise from large organised parties and gatherings may lead to public nuisance and criminal damage, (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.
It's essential to address excessive noise promptly to ensure public safety and well-being. Reporting incidents helps authorities take appropriate action to maintain order and prevent potential harm.
More Information can be found on following websites
- Noise from roads, trains or planes: Vehicle noise limits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Noise - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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
Report anti-social behaviour
Dealing with Neighbour Noise: Taking Initial Steps
If you're bothered by noise from a neighbour, consider addressing the issue directly by following these steps:
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Approach Neighbour:
- Politely approach your neighbour and explain how their noise is affecting you.
- Many people may be unaware of the disturbance and will likely cooperate to reduce the noise.
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Tactful Communication:
- Be cautious in your approach, especially if you anticipate a negative reaction.
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Report Noise Problems:
- To report domestic noise problems, use the online reporting tool below.
- You can also call the Council’s Customer Services at 0115 9152000 (9am to pm, Monday to Friday).
After-Hours Assistance: 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 the hours Customer Services is open
- If you pay Council Tax to Nottingham City Council You can call the Police non-emergency number 101.
Emergency Situations:
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.
Taking these steps can help address noise issues and foster a peaceful neighbourhood environment.
Please click here to report domestic noise problems.
Noise from commercial, industrial or licensed premises are investigated by the Environmental Health and Safer Places Team.
Please click here report these types of noise problems.
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.