Noise complaints

Find out how to report noise issues and what our Environmental Health Officers can do about it.

Reporting noise online

You can report noise to us anytime online.

  1. You'll need to register if it's your first time using the online service, or log in with your existing details
  2. Select 'requests'
  3. Select 'submit a request complaint'
  4. Choose the best 'request subject' that matches the cause of the noise

Report noise

What we'll do with noise complaints

If you submit a complaint using our online form, we’ll write to the person you complained about and tell them a complaint has been made. We will not tell them who complained.

We'll ask them to take steps to control the noise. We'll also write to you to confirm what we have done.

Noise diary

If the noise doesn't improve, you need to keep a noise diary to note down the times you hear noise, and what the noise is. If you don't keep a detailed noise diary, we will not be able to take any further action. We will ask that you send your noise diaries to us for our officers to review.

If we are unable to take any action against the noise complaint, you do have the option to take your own private legal action.

For more information see Noisy neighbours.

Bird scarers

Bird scarers are used by farmers to keep birds away from their crops. Some bird scarers make a noise that sounds like gun shot.

Bird scarers shouldn’t be used before sunrise or after sunset. Their use should also be avoided on Sundays. These are part of the guidance issued by the National Farmers Union.

If a complaint is made about a farmer, and we find they are following the NFU guidance, it is unlikely we will be able to take formal action.

Clay pigeon shooting

Clay pigeon shooting can cause noise issues for neighbouring properties.

Anywhere that hosts clay pigeon shooting should have measures in place to control noise.

If you are having issues with noise from shoots, you should contact the organiser first. If this does not help, then report the issue to us.

Fireworks

You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for:

  • Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight
  • New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am

There are also exceptions for local authority displays, and national public celebrations or commemorative events.