Report a noise nuisance

Contents

What happens after you report a noise nuisance

After you have first reported the noise nuisance to us, we will ask you to either:

  • keep a noise diary for 3 weeks
  • use the noise app

Keeping a noise diary

We may ask that you keep a noise diary for 3 weeks. It will record when the noise took place and how you were affected it by it. We will not accept diary sheets for an unreported case, and you may be asked to complete them again.

View or download the document to help you keep a noise diary.

Using the noise app

We may ask you to use the noise app to send audio and video recordings of noise problems to us.

You can find out more about the noise app, including:

  • what you should use it for 
  • how to get it 
  • how to use it

How we deal with your complaint

If the disturbance remains unacceptable, and this is supported by your diary sheets, we will visit your property to assess the disturbance ourselves.

If we think there might be grounds for an investigation, we will write to your neighbours to say we have received a complaint and ask them to minimise the disturbance. We will not reveal your details.

If it is confirmed that a statutory nuisance exists, our options include:

  • serving enforcement notices
  • seizing noise-producing equipment
  • prosecution

Failure to comply with a notice is a criminal offence which carries a maximum fine of £5,000 for domestic premises or £20,000 for a business. If the case goes to court, you will be required to give evidence to support your complaint.

Mediation with your neighbour

Mediation Surrey offers a mediation service that can help you resolve problems caused by noise nuisance.

Mediation is a way of dealing with neighbour disputes with a compromise that both parties are satisfied with. The mediators will arrange a meeting to find out what the problem is about and discuss the options available. This service is free and can avoid you having to go to court.

Email: info@mediationsurrey.org 
Telephone: 03301 340 260
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)

If the noise nuisance happens infrequently or for a short time, it may be difficult for us to help you.

Private individuals can take their own action in the Magistrates' Court under Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 - Legislation.gov.uk. 

You can also take civil action to seek an injunction to restrain the defendant from continuing the noise nuisance.

Contact a solicitor for guidance before taking your own legal action.