Noise and other nuisances
Problems we may be able to help with
We can investigate these issues where the disturbance is severe, and take formal action when the issue cannot be resolved:
- The state of a premises
- Smoke (including smoke from bonfires)
- Fumes or gases
- Dust, steam, or smells from business premises
- Accumulations or deposits
- Animals
- Noise (including noise from parked car alarms and stationary machines in the street)
- Artificial lighting
- Insects from business premises
Problems we cannot help with
We are not able to help with:
- one-off problems such as fireworks displays or parties
- road traffic noise
- smoke from vehicles on the highway. To report a particularly smoky vehicle note down the registration number and Report online to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency or call the Vehicle Inspectorate on 0300 123 9000
- aircraft noise. To complain about civilian aircraft noise and low-flying aircraft Report it to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Complaints about military aircraft should be made directly to the airfield where they operate from or Report it to the Ministry of Defence - GOV.UK.
What you can do
Go directly to the person causing the problem. Or you can use our letter template.
How to make a complaint
You will need to complete a log of the incidents for three weeks.
Once you have returned the log it will be assessed by a case officer. If we consider it is severe enough we will:
- advise the person causing the problem that a complaint has been made.
- monitor the problem.
- ask an officer to make visits to you or set up specialist noise recording equipment in your property that you will have to operate.
If there is enough evidence we will take formal action to stop the problem, which you will need to support.
Barking dogs
If you have a problem with noise from a neighbour's dog try to speak to them first. If this does not help you can report the problem to us.
Advice to dog owners
There are many reasons why dogs bark including loneliness (dogs are naturally gregarious animals and can become distressed when left alone), boredom and frustration, attention seeking, defending territory or medical problems.
Some simple measures that can help a dog adjust to being alone without making a nuisance:
- leave a radio on at low volume
- Leave the dog where it will not be disturbed by outside activities
- Leave a light on at night
- Arrange for someone to visit the dog if you are going to be away for a long period
Some dogs become totally dependent on their owners and find separation difficult. These dogs can become destructive, foul in the house or become noisy. To help a dog adjust to having less company:
- Shut the dog in a separate room or outside for short periods while you are in the house, this will help the dog accept separation when you need to be away
- All family members should take turns to feed the dog
- Don’t make a fuss when coming or going from the house
- Dogs should always have their own bed and should not sleep with their owner
Consult vet and or animal behaviourist
If nothing seems to help consult your vet and make sure your dog is not ill. The vet maybe able to suggest some other remedies or perhaps give you the name and address of an animal behaviourist who is an expert and may be able to suggest some ways to help.