Are you living with excessive noise?

This information is aimed at helping people who are suffering from noise problems from houses, flats, and other domestic accommodation.

If you are being troubled by noise from commercial premises please see the Pollution Control page - it provides advice and guidance about your options and the council’s enforcement powers.

We are exposed to noise every day, but excessive or unreasonable noise can make life a misery. The most common sources of domestic noise are:

• music, stereos, and televisions
• excessive general household noise (banging doors, footsteps, shouting)
• barking dogs
• parties and functions
• DIY
• vehicle nuisance.

Many of these noise problems can be resolved out without involving the council by discussing your concerns with the person making the noise - in many cases it may simply be that they are unaware of the problem. If this approach does not work, then you may need to ask us for some help.

What constitutes a noise nuisance?

The description of what may constitute a statutory nuisance [see statutory nuisance drop-down below] is prescribed in law and its determination shaped by many years of case-law, which sets a precedent that the Council has to take into account in its decision-making.

We do not consider the following noise as a statutory nuisance:

• General living noise – from activities such as vacuuming, walking around, doors opening/closing, general conversations, etc.
• Noise associated with inadequate sound insulation.
• Children playing noise - play is an essential part of every child’s life, their health, wellbeing and development. Although some types of behaviour can be annoying, children playing in their home, the street or communal areas unlikely to amount to a statutory nuisance.
• General DIY noise - such as decorating, drilling and hammering, furniture assembly, etc. so long as it takes place at a reasonable time.

Making a noise complaint

You can make a complaint online using the link below.

You can also make a complaint in the following ways:

• Contact the Environmental Health and Licensing team.
• Letter to the Environmental Health section at Daneshill House in Stevenage.
• Through your local ward Councillor.
• Via the Noise App.